Washington, May 19, 2026 (PTI) — The US State Department has approved proposed Foreign Military Sales (FMS) for sustainment and support services for India’s AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers, with a combined estimated value of roughly $428 million.
Under the approvals, the Apache package is valued at about $198.2 million and covers long-term sustainment support for AH-64E helicopters, US government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support, technical data and publications, personnel training, and other related logistics and program assistance. Boeing and Lockheed Martin are named as the principal contractors for the Apache support effort.
The M777A2 howitzer sustainment package, estimated at $230 million, will provide long-term logistics and support for the Ultra-Light Howitzers. BAE Systems, based in Cumbria, UK, is listed as the principal contractor for the howitzer support work. Support elements for the howitzers include ancillary items, spare parts, repair-and-return services, training, technical assistance, field service representatives, depot capability, and other related logistics and program support.
Both proposed sales would proceed through established Foreign Military Sales channels.
The State Department said the transactions would advance US foreign policy and national security goals by strengthening the strategic relationship between the United States and India. The sales are intended to help improve the security of a major defense partner that contributes to political stability, peace and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions.
According to the agency, the proposed support packages will enhance India’s ability to meet current and future threats, bolster homeland defense and deter regional aggression. The State Department added that India will have no difficulty absorbing the equipment and services into its armed forces.
Officials also stated the proposed sales would not change the basic military balance in the region and would have no adverse effect on US defense readiness.
