WASHINGTON: The US has approved two potential foreign military sales to India, with a total estimated value of about $428.2 million (?4,126 crore). The deals include follow-on support services for AH-64E Apache helicopters and maintenance-related support for M777A2 ultra-light howitzer guns.
The US State Department disclosed this information in two separate notifications sent to Congress on May 18. The larger of the two deals relates to long-term maintenance and support for M777A2 ultra-light howitzers, with an estimated value of $230 million.
“The U.S. Department of State has decided to approve a potential foreign military sale to the Government of India to provide sustainment support for M777A2 ultra-light howitzers,” the State Department notification said.
According to the U.S., India has requested long-term technical and maintenance support for the M777A2 howitzers. The package includes additional equipment, spare parts, repair and return services, training, technical support, field service representatives, depot capabilities, and other services related to logistics and program support. The prime contractor for this package will be BAE Systems. In a separate notification, the State Department also approved a potential deal worth approximately $198.2 million related to Apache helicopters.
“The U.S. Department of State has decided to approve the procurement of follow-on support services for Apache helicopters for the Government of India, along with related equipment,” the statement said.