U.S. Approves Major Arms Sales to South Korea and India
State Department clears multi-billion-dollar packages covering Apache upgrades, naval helicopters, and long-term support for allied forces
US AH-64E Apache helicopters in action in South Korea and U.S Combined Division live-fire drills at Rodriguez Live Fire Complex in Pocheon, South Korea, October 30, 2024. Photo: Matrix Images/Lee Sang-hoon via Reuters Connect
The U.S. Department of State has approved a series of Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to the Republic of South Korea and India, spanning advanced aviation systems, naval helicopters, artillery sustainment, and long-term logistics support. The combined approvals amount to several billion dollars and form part of Washington’s ongoing effort to strengthen allied deterrence and force readiness in the Indo-Pacific and South Asia regions.
A $1.2 billion package for South Korea covers upgrades to its AH-64E Apache attack helicopter fleet. The request includes AN/APG-78 Longbow fire control radar components, radar electronic units, secure VHF/UHF communications systems, missile warning systems, and manned-unmanned teaming capabilities.
Additional elements include enhanced imaging systems, tactical data links, navigation equipment, training systems, spare and repair parts, and full engineering and logistics support. The upgrade is intended to improve South Korea’s ability to counter current and emerging threats while strengthening its heavy attack aviation capabilities.
A separate approval covers a $3.0 billion sale of MH-60R Seahawk multi-mission helicopters to South Korea. The package includes 24 helicopters configured for anti-submarine warfare and maritime strike missions, alongside airborne sonar systems, radar suites, electronic support measures, targeting systems, and identification friend-or-foe equipment.
The MH-60R deal also includes simulators, training systems, cryptographic equipment, maintenance infrastructure, mission planning tools, and extensive spare parts and logistics support. The system is designed to significantly expand South Korea’s naval aviation and anti-submarine warfare capacity.
In parallel, Washington approved a $230 million sustainment package for India’s M777A2 ultra-light howitzer fleet. The agreement provides long-term maintenance support, spare parts, depot-level repair capability, training, and technical assistance to ensure continued operational readiness.
A further $198.2 million approval covers sustainment support for India’s AH-64E Apache attack helicopter fleet. The package includes engineering services, technical support, training, documentation, and logistics assistance aimed at maintaining long-term fleet readiness.
The approvals highlight continued defense cooperation between the United States, South Korea, and India, with an emphasis on interoperability, modernization, and sustained operational capability. The systems are intended to strengthen deterrence and enhance response capacity against evolving regional threats.
As security challenges persist on the Korean Peninsula and along India’s contested borders, demand for advanced, ready-to-use systems continues to grow.