In a move that will help sharpen the operational readiness of the Indian armed forces, the US Department of State has approved a possible foreign military sale (FMS) for follow-on support and sustainment services for the AH-64E Apache attack helicopters to India, worth $198.2 million.
According to the notification, India has sought sustainment support services for the Apache fleet, along with engineering, technical and logistics assistance from the US government and contractors.
The proposed package also includes technical data, publications, personnel training, and other programme and logistics support elements aimed at ensuring long-term operational availability of the helicopters.
The approval comes as India continues to expand and strengthen its combat aviation capabilities. The Apache helicopters, known for their advanced targeting systems, heavy firepower, and battlefield survivability, form a key part of India’s attack helicopter capabilities.
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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," a statement from the US Department of State read.
The US further stated that the support package would not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractors for the programme will be Boeing and Lockheed Martin.
India had earlier inducted Apache helicopters for the Indian Air Force (IAF) and later signed a separate deal for Apache helicopters for the Army Aviation Corps.
AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, which have the capability to shoot fire and forget anti-tank guided missiles, air-to-air missiles, rockets and other ammunition, and also modern EW capabilities to provide versatility to the helicopter in a network-centric aerial warfare, have been modified specifically to suit the standards demanded by the IAF.
The helicopter is capable of delivering a variety of weapons, which include air-to-ground Hellfire missiles, 70 mm Hydra rockets and air-to-air Stinger missiles. Apache also carries one 30 mm chain gun with 1200 rounds as part of the area weapon sub-system. It also has a fire control radar, which has a 360° coverage and a nose-mounted sensor suite for target acquisition and night vision systems.
Besides, the US also approved a possible sale of sustainment support for M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers for an estimated cost of $230 million. India had also requested to buy long-term sustainment support for M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers.
The following non-major defence equipment items will be included: ancillary items; spares; repair and return; training; technical assistance; field service representative; depot capability; and other related elements of logistics and program support, the Department of State said, referring to the support services for the howitzers.
