$4.2B U.S. Weapons Deal Approved for South Korea Amid Regional Tensions

Translation resultIncluding Apache upgrade program — “Strengthening allies’ security to support U.S. goals”The U.S. government has agreed to sell South Korea military equipment worth 4.2 billion USD (about 6.26 trillion KRW), including MH-60R multi-mission helicopters and an AH-64E Apache upgrade program. U.S. officials said the package will bolster allied defense in the Indo-Pacific and support U.S. national security objectives.The State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs said in a statement on the 18th (local time) that it approved a Foreign Military Sale requested by the South Korean government for 24 MH-60R multi-mission helicopters and associated weapons and equipment. The estimated cost of that sale is 3.0 billion USD, with Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems named as the prime contractor.“The sale will strengthen the Republic of Korea Navy’s multi-mission helicopter capability and improve its ability to respond to current and future threats,” the State Department said.The department also approved a Foreign Military Sale for an AH-64E Apache upgrade program valued at 1.2 billion USD. The State Department said the package will “strengthen the ROK Army’s medium attack helicopter capability.”The State Department said the sales support U.S. diplomacy and national security by reinforcing the security of a key ally—an important force for political stability and economic development in the Indo-Pacific. It added that the transfers will not alter the basic military balance in the region and will have no adverse effect on U.S. defense readiness.