A British Army AH-64E Apache attack helicopter takes flight (UK MoD)

WASHINGTON — The US State Department today approved South Korea to purchase “up to” 36 Boeing-made Apache AH-64E helicopters, with an estimated price tag of $3.5 billion.

In addition, State announced three other Foreign Military Sales (FMS) approvals: CH-47 and AH-64 Helicopter training for the Netherlands (estimated $305 million cost), M1156A1 Precision Guidance Kits and related equipment for Finland (estimated $70 million) and FGM-148F Javelin Missiles and related equipment for Australia (estimated $100 million).

The announcements, issued in the form of congressional notifications from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), are not final. Quantities and dollar totals often shift during negotiations, and today’s announcements technically tee up an opportunity for lawmakers to block the deals within a 30-day period, though such a step would be unlikely given the countries involved.

The crown jewel of today’s announcement is clearly the Apache buy, although the fact the DSCA announcement specifies “up to 36” implies the actual final buy may be smaller. In addition to the helicopters, the proposed deal includes 76 T700-GE-701D engines and a long 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,” according to the DSCA announcement. It will “improve the Republic of Korea’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing a credible force capable of deterring adversaries and participating in regional operations.”

Work will primarily happen at Boeing’s Mesa, Ariz., facility and Lockheed Martin’s Orlando, Fla., facility.

It’s been a busy month for DSCA. On Aug. 13, the agency announced over $20 billion in potential weapon sales cleared for Israel, and just last week it said Germany was in line for some $5 billion-worth of Patriot missiles. And at the start of August, DSCA director James Hursch retired, replaced in an acting capacity by Michael F. Miller.