US to supply India 145 light-weight howitzers for $647 million

Washington: Pentagon's Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified the US Congress of a possible foreign military sale (FMS) to India of 145 M777 155mm light-weight towed howitzers with laser inertial artillery pointing systems (LINAPS) and associated equipment, training and logistical support. The complete package will be worth approximately $647 million.

Canadian Army M777 in action in Afghanistan

India is currently upgrading its armed forces at a rapid clip in a bid to maintain parity with China, which has one of the world's largest defence spending programmes and Pakistan, which receives defence equipment gratis from the United States and at hugely discounted rates from China.

The Indian army needs new artillery systems as its last such acquisition was made from Bofors in 1986. The company has since been acquired by BAE Systems.

The DSCA said, "India intends to use the Howitzers to modernize its armed forces and enhance its ability to operate in hazardous conditions."  

"The Howitzers will assist the Indian Army to develop and enhance standardisation and to improve inter-operability with US soldiers and marines who use the M777 as their primary means of indirect fire," it said.

According to the DSCA, ''this proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to strengthen the US-India strategic relationship and to improve the security of an important partner which continues to be an important force for political stability, peace, and economic progress in South Asia.''