The United States has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to India covering support services for AH-64 Apache attack helicopters and associated equipment, according to a notification from the US Department of State. The proposed package, whose estimated value has been reported in US government disclosures but not fully detailed in the publicly available summaries, focuses on maintenance, training and sustainment rather than the delivery of new airframes.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has transmitted the required certification to Congress, opening the way for formal negotiations and contracting. The support is intended to ensure continued operational readiness of the Indian Air Force’s and Indian Army’s Apache fleets, which were acquired under earlier agreements with US industry.
The prospective sale includes technical, logistical and engineering assistance, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, and follow-on support services. US officials state that the transaction will not adversely affect US defense readiness. Final contract values and scope are expected to be lower than the maximum figures notified to Congress, depending on India’s refined requirements, budgetary authorizations and the outcome of negotiations.