The U.S. Department of State has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to India for follow-on sustainment support and related equipment for AH-64E Apache attack helicopters at an estimated cost of $198.2 million.

According to the notification issued by the US Department of State, India has requested Apache helicopter sustainment support services, along with U.S. Government and contractor-provided engineering, technical, and logistics assistance. The package also includes technical data, publications, personnel training, and other related elements of program management.

The proposed sale aims to enhance India’s operational readiness and long-term sustainment capabilities for its Apache helicopter fleet, which forms a key component of the Indian armed forces’ combat aviation capability.

The U.S. Government said the proposed sale would support its foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening the strategic partnership with India, which it described as a major defence partner and an important force for political stability, peace and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions.

Washington noted that the support package would improve India’s capability to address current and future threats, strengthen homeland defence and enhance deterrence against regional challenges. It added that India would face no difficulty in integrating the support services and equipment into its armed forces.

The U.S. administration also stated that the proposed sale would not alter the basic military balance in the region and would have no adverse impact on American defence readiness.

The principal contractors for the programme will be Boeing and Lockheed Martin. Boeing is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, while Lockheed Martin is based in Orlando, Florida.