US Clears Apache & Howitzer Support for India:
The United States approved sustainment support and related equipment for AH-64E Apache helicopters and M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers for India, further boosting bilateral defence ties.
- Apache Helicopters: The AH-64 Apache is an advanced multi-role combat helicopter used by the US Army and several international defence forces.
- The Apache support package, worth approximately $198.2 million, includes engineering, technical and logistics support, technical data, publications, personnel training and programme support.
- M777A2 Howitzer: M777A2 howitzers, recognised for their lightweight structure and high mobility in difficult mountainous terrain, are widely deployed by the Indian Army, especially across strategically important border areas.
- The M777A2 howitzer support package, worth about $230 million, includes spares, repair and return, training, technical assistance, field service representatives, depot capability and other logistics support.
- Major acquisitions from the US include MQ-9B drones, MH-60R helicopters, Sig Sauer rifles and M777 howitzers. Negotiations are also underway for manufacturing GE F-414 jet engines in India, while deliveries of GE-F404 engines for the LCA Tejas Mark-1A are underway.
