U.S. Approves $4 Billion Arms Sale to South Korea

Report Content

Reference News Network reported on May 21 According to AFP on May 18, the United States announced on the 18th that it has approved over $4 billion in arms sales to South Korea.

The U.S. State Department stated that it has approved the sale of 24 "Sea Hawk" helicopters (valued at $3 billion), which are intended for tracking and destroying submarines as well as land targets.

The U.S. State Department also approved another arms sale worth $1.2 billion for upgrading South Korea's main attack helicopter, the "Apache."

In a statement, the U.S. State Department said that this arms sale "will enhance South Korea's ability to respond to current and future threats" and make it a "credible force capable of deterring adversaries."

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung previously promised U.S. President Trump that by 2030, Seoul would purchase $25 billion worth of U.S. military equipment. (Translated by Pan Xiaoyan)

Classification
Region
East Asia & Pacific
Analytical Domain
Strategic
Primary Category / Secondary Categories
Political-Military / Weapons & Equipment
SALUTE Report
Size
24 helicopters
Activity
U.S. approved military sales to South Korea
Location
South Korea
Unit
U.S. Department of State
Time
May 18, 2023
Equipment
MH-60R Seahawk helicoptersApache helicopters
Summary

The U.S. Department of State approved over $4 billion in military sales to South Korea on May 18, 2023. This includes 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters valued at $3 billion and $1.2 billion for upgrading Apache helicopters. The sales are intended to bolster South Korea's defense capabilities against current and future threats.

Key Facts
  • U.S. approved over $4 billion in military sales to South Korea.
  • Sales include 24 MH-60R Seahawk helicopters worth $3 billion.
  • An additional $1.2 billion is for upgrading Apache helicopters.
  • The sales aim to enhance South Korea's defense capabilities.
  • South Korea plans to purchase $25 billion in U.S. military equipment by 2030.