Seoul: South Korea has approved a plan to purchase approximately 20 additional MH-60R Seahawk helicopters by 2032, as announced by the state arms procurement agency. The decision, made on Tuesday, aims to bolster the country's naval capabilities.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) approved the 3.24 trillion-won (US$2.4 billion) project. The Seahawk helicopters, manufactured by U.S. defense company Lockheed Martin Corp., are designed for anti-submarine and anti-ship warfare, as well as search and rescue operations. They can reach a maximum speed of 333 kph.

The acquisition aims to replace the aging fleet of Lynx helicopters currently deployed on naval destroyers and frigates. The new Seahawk helicopters offer improved capabilities for detecting and attacking both underwater and surface targets.