The United States announced on Monday that it has approved the sale of up to 36 Apache attack helicopters, along with related equipment, to South Korea for a total cost of around $3.5 billion.
This arms deal, which includes missiles, "will improve the Republic of Korea's capability to meet current and future threats by providing a credible force capable of deterring adversaries and participating in regional operations," the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a statement.
The sale will improve "the security of a major ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the [Asia-Pacific] region," the agency added.
Following the approval of the sale by the State Department, the DSCA - as required by law - sent a notification to Congress, which must give the final go-ahead.
Monday's announcement came on the first day of annual military exercises conducted jointly by the United States and South Korea. This year’s manoeuvres are aimed at containing the nuclear threat from North Korea. The exercise, codenamed 'Ulchi Freedom Shield,' will run until 29 August.
Washington, Seoul’s primary security ally, has roughly 28,500 American soldiers stationed in South Korea to protect it from its nuclear-armed neighbour.
