Washington: The United States has approved a potential sale of MH-60R multi-mission naval helicopters and an AH-64E Apache upgrade program to South Korea. This decision, announced by the State Department, aims to bolster South Korea's defense capabilities amid rising regional tensions.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the Foreign Military Sale (FMS) could reach a total of $4.2 billion, with $3 billion allocated for the MH-60R helicopter project and $1.2 billion for the Apache upgrade program. The South Korean government has expressed interest in acquiring 24 MH-60R helicopters, 24 airborne low-frequency sonars, and eight M240D 7.62 mm machine guns, among other equipment in the helicopter package.

The MH-60R helicopters are designed for anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance, surface warfare, and search and rescue missions. For the Apache upgrades, South Korea seeks to procure eight AN/APG-78 fire control radars, eight Longbow FCR radar electronic units, and 40 AN/ARC-231A radios, among other components.

The State Department emphasized that the sale would enhance South Korea's naval capabilities, providing a robust force to deter potential adversaries. The request comes amid North Korea's increasing nuclear and missile threats, including submarine-launched ballistic missile development.

Congressional approval is required for the proposed sale to proceed.