The US State Department has authorized a potential sale to South Korea of MH-60R multi-mission naval helicopters and an AH-64E Apache chopper upgrade program. The move aims to strengthen the Asian ally's defense capabilities.
The department announced its decisions on the potential government-to-government Foreign Military Sale estimated to cost $3 billion for the MH-60R helicopter project and $1.2 billion for the Apache upgrade program.
South Korea has requested to buy 24 MH-60R helicopters, 24 airborne low-frequency sonars and eight M240D 7.62 mm machine guns. The MH-60R is used for anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance and search and rescue missions.
For the Apache upgrade, Seoul requested eight AN/APG-78 fire control radars and other equipment. The department said the proposed sale will improve South Korea's capability to meet threats by strengthening its Navy's multi-mission helicopter capability.
The request comes as North Korea has been increasing its nuclear and missile threats. The proposed sale requires congressional endorsement.
