The U.S. has approved the sale of helicopters to South Korea worth over $4 billion — Bloomberg
The U.S. State Department has approved a potential sale of advanced military helicopters and related equipment to South Korea.
Bloomberg reports this.
The total value of the large-scale defense package is up to $4.2 billion.
Seoul is seeking to significantly modernize its air and naval forces amid growing tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.
The bulk of the planned procurement consists of naval aviation assets designed to counter submarine and surface threats.
South Korea intends to purchase 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters, manufactured by the Sikorsky division of the American company Lockheed Martin Corp.
In addition to the aircraft themselves, the deal includes the supply of modern navigation, hydroacoustic, and other specialized equipment worth up to $3 billion.
According to the manufacturer’s official data, these helicopters provide the navy with capabilities for anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare.
In addition, Seoul has expressed interest in purchasing modernized AH-64E Apache attack helicopters worth up to $1.2 billion. The primary contractor for this portion of the contract is the American corporation Boeing Co.
The future transaction also involves the integration of high-tech weapon control systems.
The potential deal includes eight AN/APG-78 Longbow fire control radar systems, which are jointly manufactured by defense giants Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman Corp.
The U.S. State Department separately emphasized that these purchases will help strengthen the security of a key ally in the Indo-Pacific region.
U.S. diplomats underscore the strategic importance of this step in deterring potential aggressors in the region.
According to a statement from the department, the acquisition of aircraft and modernization equipment will enhance South Korea’s ability to respond to “current and future threats” and provide the country with a reliable deterrent.
At the same time, this decision demonstrates Washington’s unwavering commitment to supporting its Asian partners.
The U.S. may strike Iran as early as this week
Also, to avoid attacks by Iran, ships are changing their GPS coordinates and posing as Chinese vessels.
Israel launched a massive attack on Iran, with fighter jets dropping over 230 bombs overnight.
Iran has promised to stop striking its neighbors on one condition.
