The United States on Monday announced its approval of a US$3.5-billion sale to South Korea of up to 36 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and related equipment, including missiles.

“The proposed sale will improve the Republic of Korea’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing a credible force capable of deterring adversaries and participating in regional operations,” the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a statement.

The sale will improve “the security of a major ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific region”, the statement said, using the US foreign policy term for the Asia-Pacific region.