US approves potential $5bn sale of 25 F-35 aircraft to South Korea
The US State Department has granted approval for the potential sale of F-35 fighter aircraft, alongside associated equipment, to South Korea. This proposed deal is estimated to be valued at approximately 5.06 billion dollar, as stated in a release on Wednesday.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency has duly notified Congress regarding the intended sale, which could encompass up to 25 fighter jets.
The primary objective of this potential sale is to bolster the Republic of Korea's defense capabilities, enabling them to effectively address both current and future threats. The sale is envisioned to provide a credible defense capability, serving as a deterrent against regional aggression while ensuring seamless interoperability with US military forces.
This move is expected to augment South Korea's existing operational aircraft inventory, significantly enhancing its capabilities in both air-to-air and air-to-ground self-defense measures.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency emphasized that South Korea already has F-35s within its inventory, which should facilitate the integration of these new assets and services into their armed forces without any significant challenges.
The decision to approve this sale comes in the midst of North Korea's ongoing series of ballistic missile launches, a clear violation of United Nations sanctions. Additionally, it coincides with Kim Jong-un's visit to Russia, underlining the ongoing geopolitical complexities in the region.
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