US Approves $4.2 Billion Arms Sale to South Korea, Including Apache Helicopter Upgrades

(Washington, 18th, Comprehensive Foreign Report) The United States announced today that it has approved the sale of multi-mission helicopters and an Apache attack helicopter upgrade program to South Korea, totaling $4.2 billion. According to AFP and Yonhap News Agency, the U.S. State Department has approved the sale of 24 MH-60R Seahawk multi-mission helicopters and related weapons and equipment to South Korea for $3 billion. This naval helicopter can be used to track and destroy submarines and land targets. The State Department also approved a $1.2 billion Apache helicopter upgrade program. A State Department statement said the arms sale 'will enhance the Republic of Korea's (South Korea) ability to meet current and future threats' and provide 'a credible deterrent against adversaries.' South Korea had pledged to purchase more U.S. weapons to counter the threat from North Korea. (Compiled by: Lu Ying-tzu)