US Clears USD 198.2 Million Apache, M777 Howitzer Support Deals For India

New Delhi: The United States has cleared a potential deal to provide India with support services and associated equipment for Apache helicopters, valued at an estimated USD 198.2 million, according to the US State Department. The US also approved a possible sale of sustainment support for M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers. The estimated cost of this deal is USD 230 million.The principal contractors for the Apache support services deal will be the Boeing Company and Lockheed Martin, the State Department said. Meanwhile, for the howitzer support, the principal contractor will be BAE Systems, located in Cumbria, UK.The Department of State said India has requested to buy AH-64E Apache sustainment support services; US government and contractor engineering,

technical, and logistics support services; technical data and publications; personnel training; and other related elements of logistics and program support, reported PTI.India had also reportedly requested to buy long-term sustainment support for M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers.Also Read: US Apaches, Sea Hawks Destroy Iranian Boats in Strait of Hormuz, CENTCOM Confirms The following non-major defence equipment items will be included: ancillary items, spares, repair and return, training, technical assistance, field service representatives, depot capability, and other related elements of logistics and program support, the Department of State said, referring to the support services for the howitzers.The possible sale of support services for the helicopters and the howitzers will take place under the Foreign Military Sales channels.Notably, the first batch of the six Apache attack helicopters was delivered to the Indian Army in July last year, after a long delay. These attack helicopters, dubbed "tanks in the air", are part of the Rs 5,691 crore deal inked with the US in February 2020.The AH-64 Apaches, known as one of the world's most advanced multi-role combat helicopters, arrive 15 months after a squadron was raised in Jodhpur to house them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=19WFoOoSihs

The Indian Army's Apache helicopters are not the first in the country.In 2020, Boeing completed delivery of 22 E-model Apaches to the Indian Air Force (IAF) and signed a contract to supply six AH-64Es for the Indian Army.(With inputs from PTI)