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The U.S. State Department has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to India for follow-on sustainment and support of the country’s AH-64E Apache attack helicopters, with an estimated value of $198.2 million, according to a notification to Congress labeled Transmittal 26-26.
The package covers sustainment support services for the Apache fleet; U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics assistance; technical data and publications; personnel training; and other elements of logistics and program support. It does not include new aircraft.
Washington framed the proposed deal as advancing U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by deepening the U.S.-India strategic partnership and supporting the security of a “major defense partner” seen as an important contributor to stability and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia. The State Department said the support would improve India’s ability to meet current and future threats, bolster homeland defense and deterrence, and would not change the basic military balance in the region.
India already operates AH-64E Apaches and “will have no difficulty absorbing” the additional services and equipment, the notification said.
Boeing, based in Arlington, Va., and Lockheed Martin, in Orlando, Fla., are listed as the principal contractors.
The approval is the first step in the U.S. foreign military sales process. Congress now has a review period—typically 30 days for non-NATO partners—during which it can block the sale. If there is no objection, the U.S. and India would negotiate a final contract, and the value and scope of the deal could change before it is implemented.
