Korea wants to buy US$6.2 billion worth of attack helicopters and associated equipment from the United States. The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress last week of the possible deal.

The deal includes 36 Cobra attack helicopters and 36 Apache attack helicopters as well as associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support.

The agency claimed that the sale would improve Korean defense capabilities and armed reconnaissance as well as enhancing "interoperability" with U.S. forces, though without altering the military balance in the region.