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The United States has approved the sale of more than $4.2 billion worth of military helicopters to South Korea, as Seoul moves to expand its defence purchases due to tensions with North Korea.
The State Department on Monday said it had cleared a $3 billion deal for 24 MH-60R “Romeo” Seahawk naval helicopters, designed for anti-submarine warfare and maritime strike operations.
It also approved a separate $1.2 billion package for upgrades to South Korea’s Apache attack helicopter fleet.
According to the State Department, the proposed sales would “enhance the Republic of Korea’s ability to address current and future threats” and provide a “credible deterrent capability against potential adversaries.”
Seoul has pledged to increase defence spending and deepen military procurement from the US, including commitments made during a summit between South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and US President Donald Trump in November.
Under those arrangements, South Korea agreed to purchase about $25 billion in US military equipment by 2030 and contribute $33 billion to support American forces stationed on its territory.
The Trump administration has consistently pushed allies to raise defence spending and has questioned the long-term deployment of US troops abroad.
Lee, who has advocated dialogue with North Korea without preconditions, has not received any response from Pyongyang.
Trump previously held direct meetings with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during his first term, but engagement with Pyongyang has since stalled.
