KARACHI: The United States has approved two major defence support packages worth $428 million for India, reports foreign media.
The US State Department approved a $198.2 million assistance package for AH-64E Apache attack helicopters under the Foreign Military Sales Programme. The package includes engineering support, logistics, training, spare parts and technical assistance. Boeing and Lockheed Martin are the principal contractors for the project.
Similarly, a $230 million long-term support package for M777A2 ultra-light howitzers has also been approved. The package aims to maintain and modernise the Indian Army’s existing artillery systems. BAE Systems is the prime contractor for the programme.
Experts say these defence agreements focus on operational readiness and long-term maintenance rather than the purchase of new weapons systems. They are being viewed as part of Washington’s broader strategy to strengthen India’s defence capabilities in response to China’s growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
