The US State Department today approved the sale of “up to” 36 Boeing-made Apache AH-64E helicopters to South Korea, with an estimated price tag of $3.5 billion.
In addition, the State Department announced three other Foreign Military Sales (FMS) approvals: CH-47 and AH-64 helicopter training for the Netherlands (estimated cost of $305 million), M1156A1 Precision Guidance Kits and related equipment for Finland (estimated at $70 million), and FGM-148F Javelin missiles and related equipment for Australia (estimated at $100 million).
These announcements were issued in the form of congressional notifications from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) and are not final. The quantities and dollar amounts often change during negotiations, and today’s announcements technically provide lawmakers an opportunity to block the deals within a 30-day period, although such an action is unlikely given the countries involved.
The highlight of today’s announcements is undoubtedly the Apache helicopter deal, although the specification of “up to 36” suggests that the final number may be lower. Alongside the helicopters, the proposed deal includes 76 T700-GE-701D engines and an extensive list of associated equipment.
“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals 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,” the DSCA announcement stated. It will “enhance the Republic of Korea’s capability to address current and future threats by providing a credible force capable of deterring adversaries and participating in regional operations.”
The work will primarily take place at Boeing’s facility in Mesa, Arizona, and Lockheed Martin’s facility in Orlando, Florida.
It has been a busy month for the DSCA. On August 13, the agency announced over $20 billion in potential weapon sales cleared for Israel, and just last week, it mentioned that Germany was set to receive approximately $5 billion worth of Patriot missiles. Additionally, at the beginning of August, DSCA director James Hursch retired and was replaced in an acting capacity by Michael F. Miller.
