US notifies $428 million sale of support services for Apache helicopters, M777A2 howitzers to India

The US War Department has notified Congress of a planned $428 million sale of defense articles and sustainment services to India. According to the department, the deal provides logistics support, training, and repairs for M777A2 Howitzer artillery guns and AH-64E Apache helicopters to strengthen regional security in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia.

What is included in the $428 million defense sale?

The proposed sale focuses on sustainment services for existing platforms operated by India. According to the War Department, these services include contractor engineering, spares, personnel training, and logistics support.

The Department of Defense specified that India has sought these sustainment support services specifically for the AH-64E Apache helicopters. These services ensure the continued operational readiness of the aircraft and artillery systems.

Did You Know? In 2016, India and the U.S. entered a bilateral agreement to sell 145 M777 Howitzer guns in a contract valued at roughly $737 million.

Why is the U.S. providing these services to India?

The War Department stated the sale supports U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives. The department noted that India is a major defense partner and an “important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress” in South Asia and the Indo-Pacific.

According to the notification to Congress, the sale will improve India’s ability to deter regional threats and strengthen its homeland defense. The War Department affirmed that this transaction would not alter the basic military balance in the region.

Expert Insight: Samantha Carter notes that shifting from initial procurement to long-term sustainment services signals a transition toward a permanent operational partnership. By securing the logistics and repair pipeline, the U.S. ensures that Indian defense capabilities remain dependent on American technical standards and support.

How does this fit into the broader U.S.-India partnership?

These sales continue despite broader tensions that developed between the two nations throughout 2025. In October, U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh signed a 10-year defence framework to deepen security ties in the Indo-Pacific.

High-level diplomatic engagement has remained steady. Washington hosted all three of India’s service chiefs over the past year, while India hosted US Space Command chief General Stephen Whiting and US Indo-Pacific Commander Admiral Samuel Paparo.

What equipment has the U.S. already delivered to India?

The US Congressional Research Service reports that the U.S. has completed the delivery of 145 M777 Howitzers and 28 Apache helicopters, which serve both the Indian Air Force and Army.

India first announced the purchase of 22 Boeing-manufactured Apache Helicopters in 2015. More recently, in November 2025, the US State Department approved the sale of Excalibur projectiles for $47.1 million and Javelin anti-tank missile systems for $45.7 million.

What happens next with the proposed sale?

The sales are likely to be approved unless members of Congress mobilize to oppose them. The War Department indicated that such opposition is not expected in this case.

Future steps may include the formal execution of the sustainment contracts and the deployment of contractor engineering teams to support the AH-64E and M777A2 platforms.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the total value of the proposed sustainment sale?
The US War Department plans to sell defense articles and sustainment services worth $428 million.

Which specific military platforms are covered by this deal?
The services are for the M777A2 Howitzer artillery guns and the AH-64E Apache helicopters.

Will this sale change the military balance in the region?
No, the War Department affirmed that the sale would not alter the basic military balance in the region.

Do you believe long-term sustainment contracts are more important for strategic alliances than the initial sale of hardware?