The United States has formally notified the proposed sale of sustainment support services and related equipment of Indian Apache helicopters and M777A2 ultra-light howitzers for an estimated cost of US$428 million.
India has introduced the M777A2 ultra-light howitzer, purchased from the US under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) route, to enhance its artillery capabilities, especially in mountainous terrain.
According to the notification, India has requested long-term sustained support of the M777A2 ultra-light howitzer.
“The Government of India has requested the procurement of long-term sustainment support for the M777A2 light howitzer. The following non-major defense equipment items will be included: ancillary items, spare parts, repair and return services, training and technical assistance, field service representatives, depot capabilities and other items related to logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is US$230 million.”
In a separate notification, the Defense Ministry said India has requested 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 logistics and program support.
The notification added: “The Government of India has requested the procurement of AH-64E Apache sustainment support services; US Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; technical data and publications; personnel training; and other items related to logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is US$198.2 million.”
