Army Apache helicopter operations training [Yonhap News file photo]

The U.S. Donald Trump administration has decided to sell $4.2 billion (approximately 6.26 trillion won) worth of military equipment to South Korea, including multi-mission helicopters and an Apache upgrade program.

The U.S. State Department's Bureau of Political-Military Affairs announced on the 18th (local time) that it approved the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) for 24 MH-60R multi-mission helicopters, along with related weapons and equipment, requested by the South Korean government.

The estimated cost of the sale is $3 billion, the State Department stated.

The State Department explained that this sale "will enhance South Korea's ability to respond to current and future threats by improving the capabilities of the South Korean Navy's multi-mission helicopters and providing reliable deterrence against adversaries."

The State Department also announced that it has approved FMS for an AH-64E Apache upgrade program worth $1.2 billion, stating that the sale "will enhance the capabilities of the South Korean Army's medium attack helicopters."

The State Department said that this sale of military equipment to South Korea "will support U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by enhancing the security of a major ally, which is an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific region."

Furthermore, it explained that this sale "will not alter the basic military balance in the region" and will have "no negative impact on U.S. defense posture."