United States Approves $4.2 Billion Helicopter and Apache Upgrade Sale to South Korea

On 18 May 2026, the U.S. State Department approved a Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of Korea worth $4.2 billion (? 6.26 trillion won). The package includes 24 MH-60R Seahawk multi-mission helicopters for the South Korean Navy and an upgrade program for eight AH-64E Apache attack helicopters for the Republic of Korea Army. The helicopters are priced at about $3 billion; the Apache upgrades at $1.2 billion.

US Approves Sale of 24 Multi-Purpose Helicopters to South KoreaU.S. Approves $4.2 Billion Arms Sale to South Korea, Including 24 HelicoptersThe Straits Times

The sale is presented as a step to reinforce the security of a key U.S. ally in the Indo-Pacific and to address current and future maritime and land threats. Washington frames the deal as supporting regional stability and U.S. strategic interests.

U.S. Approves $4.2 Billion Arms Sale to South Korea, Including 24 Helicopters

Lockheed Martin’s Sikorsky division will supply the MH-60R helicopters. Boeing will lead the Apache upgrade, which incorporates AN/APG-78 Longbow radars produced jointly by Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems is the prime contractor for the overall program.

The Straits Times

The deal totals $4.2 billion, with $3 billion for the helicopters and $1.2 billion for the Apache upgrades, plus navigation, sonar and fire-control radar equipment.

The Straits Times

The State Department said the sale will bolster the security of a major ally, improve the Republic of Korea’s deterrence capability, and will not change the regional military balance or affect U.S. defense readiness. Congressional review is required before finalization.

U.S. Approves $4.2 Billion Arms Sale to South Korea, Including 24 Helicopters

• “This proposed sale will improve the Republic of Korea's capability to meet current and future threats by strengthening the multi-mission helicopter capability of its Navy.” — U.S. State Department, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs

U.S. Approves $4.2 Billion Arms Sale to South Korea, Including 24 Helicopters

• “will enhance the Republic of Korea Army's medium attack helicopter capability.” — U.S. State Department, Bureau of Political-Military Affairs

U.S. Approves $4.2 Billion Arms Sale to South Korea, Including 24 Helicopters

• “will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific region.” — U.S. State Department

U.S. Approves $4.2 Billion Arms Sale to South Korea, Including 24 Helicopters

• “no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness.” — U.S. State Department

U.S. Approves $4.2 Billion Arms Sale to South Korea, Including 24 Helicopters

All three sources give the same figures and rationale; no discrepancies were found.

The Straits Times

The sale remains subject to U.S. congressional approval; if approved, contracts with Lockheed Martin, Boeing and Northrop Grumman will be executed and deliveries are slated for the coming years.

The Straits Times