The U.S. State Department has given the green light for selling $198.2 million in support services for AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, which are currently used by the Indian Air Force and the Indian Army. Additionally, a $230 million deal was approved for sustainment support of M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers. Boeing Company and Lockheed Martin will be the main contractors for these projects.
In a statement, the U.S. State Department highlighted that this sale aims to strengthen the strategic relationship between the U.S. and India, thereby enhancing security for a key defense partner. India plays an important role in promoting stability, peace, and economic growth in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions.
This announcement follows remarks made by former President Donald Trump during a GOP Member Retreat in January 2026. He recalled how India approached him regarding delays in receiving Apache helicopters, stating, “I had India coming to me… Prime Minister Modi came to see me.” Trump claimed he helped expedite the delivery process.
India previously bought 28 Apache helicopters from the U.S. between 2019 and 2025, with the last shipment received in late 2025. The U.S. State Department mentioned that India requested various support services for the AH-64E Apache, which includes technical and logistical assistance, training, and additional program support.
Furthermore, India had purchased 145 M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers from the U.S. back in 2016. The newly approved support package worth $230 million will provide the Indian Army with spare parts, training, technical assistance, and other related logistics support. BAE Systems will be the primary contractor for this package.
