United States to Maintain India’s Apache Helicopters and M777 Howitzers Under ₹4,000-Crore Defence Support Package

India’s military preparedness is set to receive a major boost as the United States has approved a defence support package worth 48.22 million dollars, approximately ₹4,000 crore, for the maintenance and technical support of India’s Apache attack helicopters and M777 howitzers.

 

The approval has been granted by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency. The proposed package is aimed at strengthening the operational readiness of the Indian Army by ensuring sustained maintenance, technical assistance, repair support and availability of essential equipment for these advanced weapon systems.

 

According to the report, the American government has informed the US Congress about the proposed foreign military sale. The package will cover maintenance support for AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and M777 howitzers, along with engineering assistance, technical support, field service representatives, depot-level support, logistics assistance, repair services, training of personnel and other related programme support.

 

The total estimated cost of the Apache helicopter support package is around 23 million dollars. Under this, the US will provide India with continued technical support for the Apache fleet, including maintenance assistance and related services. The support for M777 howitzers and associated systems is estimated at around 19.82 million dollars.

 

The report stated that India had sought maintenance and support for the Apache helicopter programme and the M777 howitzer system to ensure that these platforms remain fully operational. India currently uses Apache helicopters in its Army Aviation Corps and M777 ultra-light howitzers in mountainous and strategically sensitive areas.

 

Support to Strengthen India’s Security Objectives

 

The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the proposed sale and support package would help India meet its present and future security requirements. It also said the assistance would strengthen India’s capability to deal with emerging threats.

 

The agency noted that India plays an important role in maintaining political stability, peace and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions. The proposed support is therefore being seen as part of the wider India–US strategic partnership.

 

According to the report, the support package will not alter the basic military balance in the region. It is also not expected to adversely affect American defence readiness.

 

India’s Ability to Handle Future Threats Will Improve

 

The maintenance support for Apache helicopters and M777 howitzers is expected to enhance India’s capability to respond to future security challenges. Apache helicopters are considered highly effective for precision attack, close air support and operations in difficult terrain, while M777 ultra-light howitzers are useful in high-altitude and mountainous areas because of their mobility and firepower.

 

The report said the move would help India improve the readiness of its armed forces and ensure that key weapons platforms remain mission-capable. The support will also help India strengthen its defence preparedness without needing any major change in existing deployment patterns.

 

Europe Seeks BrahMos and Akash Missiles From India

 

In a related development, India is also receiving increasing interest from foreign countries for its own defence systems. The report stated that several European countries are showing interest in purchasing BrahMos missiles and Akash air defence systems from India.

 

According to defence sources, the Russia–Ukraine conflict has increased demand for advanced missiles and air defence systems in Europe. Countries in Western Europe are reportedly looking for reliable defence options, and India’s BrahMos and Akash systems are being viewed as strong possibilities.

 

The Akash missile system has already been supplied to Armenia and is considered one of the fastest surface-to-air missile systems in its class. It can target enemy aircraft and missiles at significant range. BrahMos, developed jointly by India and Russia, is also considered one of the world’s fastest supersonic cruise missiles.

 

However, any export of BrahMos missiles to Europe would require approval from Russia because the system has been jointly developed by India and Russia. The report also noted that as the BrahMos missile can strike targets up to around 290 kilometres, its export will require careful consideration of regional security factors.

 

Russia May Object to European Purchases

 

The report further stated that Russia may object if European countries seek to buy BrahMos missiles from India, as Russia is currently in conflict with several Western countries in the context of the Ukraine war. Since BrahMos is a joint Indo-Russian project, export decisions may require coordination between both partner countries.

 

The developments indicate two parallel trends in India’s defence sector: continued strengthening of military cooperation with the United States for maintenance of key imported platforms, and growing international interest in Indian-made defence systems. Together, these developments reflect India’s expanding role in both defence preparedness and defence exports.