The US is preparing to conclude a proposed $230 million sustainment package for India’s M777A2 ultra-light howitzers, marking the latest development in defence cooperation between the two countries…reports Asian Lite News Desk
The proposed $230 million sustainment package for India’s M777A2 ultra-light howitzers is ready to be concluded, US Ambassador to India Sergio Gor said on Monday, describing it as another step forward in the growing defence partnership between New Delhi and Washington.
In a post on X, Gor said the proposed sale would support India’s national security objectives while reflecting the expanding defence relationship between the two countries.
“The United States and India continue to work together daily! Our defence partnership is GROWING. Just today, we announced a $230 million sale of a sustainment package for India’s M777A2 ultra-light howitzers, which is ready to be concluded. This proposed sale supports the national security objectives of the United States while ensuring India maintains a key capability for its national defence,” Gor said.
His remarks follow a notification issued by the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) on June 17, which stated that the proposed sale of sustainment support for the M777A2 Ultra-Light Howitzers would strengthen the strategic relationship between India and the United States.
According to the DSCA, the package includes a range of non-major defence equipment and support services, including ancillary items, spare parts, repair and return services, training, technical assistance, field service representatives, depot capability and other logistics and programme support elements. The estimated total value of the package is USD 230 million.
The agency said the proposed sale would enhance India’s ability to meet current and future threats, strengthen homeland defence and deter regional threats.
The DSCA also noted that the proposal would improve the security of a major defence partner that continues to play an important role in promoting political stability, peace, and economic progress across the Indo-Pacific and South Asia.
BAE Systems, based in Cumbria in the United Kingdom, has been identified as the principal contractor for the proposed package. The latest development follows the US State Department’s approval earlier this year of potential defence support packages for India worth more than $428 million. The approvals covered sustainment support services for AH-64E Apache attack helicopters as well as long-term support for M777A2 ultra-light howitzers.
The Apache support package is valued at approximately $198.2 million, while the M777 sustainment package is estimated at around $230 million. The State Department said Boeing and Lockheed Martin would serve as the principal contractors for the Apache support programme.
India’s association with the M777 artillery system dates back to 2017, when BAE Systems received a $542 million contract from the US Department of Defense to supply 145 M777 ultra-lightweight howitzers to the Indian Army under the Foreign Military Sales agreement between the governments of India and the United States.
The M777 is a 155mm lightweight towed artillery system designed for rapid deployment and mobility across a range of operational environments. Originally developed for the US Marine Corps and the US Army, the system can be transported by land, sea and air, allowing forces to reposition quickly across challenging terrain.
BAE Systems describes the M777 as a battle-proven platform capable of engaging targets at extended ranges while maintaining a relatively small logistical footprint. In addition to India, the artillery system is operated by the United States, Canada and Australia. Worldwide orders for the M777 have exceeded 1,200 units.
The proposed sustainment package is intended to help ensure the long-term operational availability of India’s M777 fleet as defence cooperation between New Delhi and Washington continues to expand across multiple areas.
