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NEW DELHI: The United States has approved the possible sale of support services and related equipment for Apache attack helicopters and M777 ultra-light howitzers to India in deals worth more than $428 million, according to the US department of state.The proposed sale includes Apache helicopter sustainment support services valued at an estimated $198.2 million and long-term support for M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers worth around $230 million.
The support packages will be routed through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme.The principal contractors for the Apache deal are Boeing and Lockheed Martin, while BAE Systems, based in the UK, will serve as the principal contractor for the M777 support package.
Apache support package
According to the state department, India requested AH-64E Apache sustainment support services along with engineering, technical and logistics assistance from the US government and contractors.The package also includes technical data and publications, personnel training and other related logistics and programme support services.The US state department said the Apache support package was approved at an estimated cost of $198.2 million.
M777 howitzer support
For the M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers, India sought long-term sustainment support, including ancillary equipment, spares, repair and return services, training, technical assistance, field service representatives and depot capability support.The state department said these support services would help India maintain and enhance the operational readiness of the artillery systems.
Focus on Indo-Pacific security
The US said the proposed sales support Washington’s foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening the strategic partnership with India.“The proposed sales will improve India’s capability to meet current and future threats, strengthen its homeland defence, and deter regional threats,” the state department said.It added that India would have “no difficulty” absorbing the equipment and services into its armed forces and asserted that the deals would not alter the “basic military balance” in the region.The US also said there would be “no adverse impact” on American defence readiness because of the proposed sales.
