US clears $482m support deal for India’s Apache, M777 howitzers
Washington: The US has formally notified a $482.2 million sale of sustainment support for India’s Apache helicopters and M777A2 howitzers, the Defence Security Cooperation Agency said.
According to Kashmir Media Service, India sought long-term support for its M777 howitzers at $230m and for AH-64E Apache attack choppers at $198.2m. Boeing, Lockheed Martin and UK-based BAE Systems are principal contractors.
The Pentagon said the deal “strengthens US-India strategic ties”.
The announcement feeds New Delhi’s hyper-nationalist narrative of “military muscle” and “global power status”.
Critics say such arms deals fuel jingoistic chest-thumping while distracting from domestic issues, casting weapons procurement as a symbol of national pride rather than security need.
