US clears $428 mln packages for India: Howitzers, helicopters in focus with support for Apache choppers, M777 guns

New Delhi: The US has cleared two military support packages worth $428 million for India that will cover sustainment support for frontline M777 ultra-light howitzers and AH-64E Apache attack helicopters.

The Foreign Military Sale - a government-to-government procurement mechanism - will result in sustainment support services for Apache helicopters for an estimated $198 million. The package covers contractor engineering, technical support, personnel training and logistics support services.

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Both the Indian Air Force and Army operate Apache helicopters, which are tasked with heavy fire-support missions. The helicopters have also been deployed in high-altitude areas and are known to have conducted training missions in Ladakh as well. IAF currently operates 22 Apache helicopters while Army has six in service.

"This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to strengthen the US-India strategic relationship and improve the security of a major defence partner, which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions," the US Department of State said in a statement.

The other deal cleared is for sustainment support for the M777A2 ultra-light howitzers, estimated at $230 million. The package includes ancillary items, spare parts, repairs, training, technical assistance, logistics and programme support.

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"The proposed sale will improve India's capability to meet current and future threats, strengthen its homeland defence and deter regional threats. India will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces," the statement said.

India has deployed the versatile M777 guns along the Chinese and Pakistani borders, including at high-altitude terrain. The guns performed effectively during Operation Sindoor, with Army using their precision-strike Excalibur ammunition accurately against terror infrastructure.