Ultra-Light Howitzers, Apache Helicopters: US Clears $428 Million Defence Deal For India
Ultra-Light Howitzers, Apache Helicopters: US Clears $428 Million Defence Deal For India Published By, Last Updated: May 19, 2026, 11:43 IST The State Department said
Ultra-Light Howitzers, Apache Helicopters: US Clears $428 Million Defence Deal For India Published By, Last Updated: May 19, 2026, 11:43 IST The State Department said Boeing and Lockheed Martin will serve as the principal contractors for the Apache package, while BAE Systems will handle support for the M777 Howitzers. Rapid Read Representative Image of Apache Attack Helicopter (FilePhoto/ANI) The US State Department has cleared two possible military support deals for India worth over USD 428 million, covering Apache attack helicopters and M777 ultra-light Howitzers. According to the approval, sustainment support services for AH-64E Apache helicopters are valued at nearly USD 198.2 million, while long-term support for M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers is estimated at around USD 230 million. The State Department said Boeing and Lockheed Martin will serve as the principal contractors for the Apache package, while BAE Systems will handle support for the M777 Howitzers.
India’s request for the Apache package includes sustainment support services, engineering, technical and logistics assistance from the US government and contractors, technical publications and data, personnel training, and other logistics and programme support elements. For the M777 Howitzers, the proposed package includes non-major defence equipment items such as ancillary equipment, spare parts, repair and return support, training, technical assistance, field service representatives, depot capability, and additional logistics and programme support. Explaining the rationale behind the approval, the US State Department said, “This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to strengthen the U.S.-Indian strategic relationship and to 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 State Department further noted that the proposed sales would enhance India’s ability to respond to existing and future threats, improve homeland defence capabilities, and strengthen deterrence against regional threats.
Highlighting India’s defence preparedness, the US said, “India will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces." The Boeing AH-64 Apache is regarded as one of the world’s most advanced multi-role combat helicopters. Armed with a 30 mm chain gun, Hellfire anti-tank missiles and Hydra rockets, the platform is equipped with sophisticated targeting technologies, including Longbow radar and night-vision sensors. The Indian Army’s Apache fleet is also capable of conducting operations in all-weather conditions, including during night-time missions. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: May 19, 2026, 11:43 IST News india Ultra-Light Howitzers, Apache Helicopters: US Clears $428 Million Defence Deal For India Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s.
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