WASHINGTON, May 19 : The United States has approved two major defence support packages for India worth approximately $428 million, marking a significant boost in bilateral military cooperation.
The packages include support for India’s AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzer artillery systems thereby supportingt the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by helping to strengthen the US-Indian strategic relationship and to improve the security of a major defense partner which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions.
The United States has approved possible sales of two major defence support packages for India, giving a fresh impetus to growing military ties between the two countries The deals include long-term sustainment support and related equipment for India’s AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers.
Thee Apache package is estimated to cost around USD 198.2 million, while the support package for the howitzers is valued at nearly USD 230 million. The approvals were announced on Monday under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programme.
The US has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to India for its purchase of Apache Helicopters follow-on support services and related equipment. India has requested to buy AH-64E Apache sustainment support services that includes US Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; technical data and publications; personnel training; and other related elements of logistics and program support.
The proposed sale will improve India’s capability to meet current and future threats, strengthen its homeland defense, and deter regional threats. India will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The main companies involved in the Apache support deal are Boeing, located in Arlington, Virginia; and Lockheed Martin, located in Orlando, Florida.
The US has approved sale of sustainment support for M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers to india . The estimated total cost is $230 million.
The following non-major defense equipment items will be included: ancillary items; spares; repair and return; training; technical assistance; field service representative; depot capability; and other related elements of logistics and program support.
The M777 howitzer support package will be handled by BAE Systems.
India-US defence ties get further momentum after the Washington has cleared two significant defence support agreements for New Delhi worth about $428 million, further strengthening ongoing military cooperation between the two countries.
The proposed sale will improve India’s capability to meet current and future threats, strengthen its homeland defense, and deter regional threats. India will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.
The principal contractor will be BAE Systems, located in Cumbria, UK. (UNI)
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