US State Department approves sale of F-35 fighter jets to South Korea

  The US Department of Defense (Pentagon) has confirmed the possible sale of F-35 fighter jets to South Korea for approximately $5.6 billion. The report of a possible sale of American fighter jets to South Korea comes amid North Korea's ballistic testing, which South Korea and the United States consider a "practice of warfare" and Pyongyang calls the designation "incorrect." Pyongyang has repeatedly stated that strengthening its military is only for the protection and security of North Korea and that the country does not intend to attack any country, but if the US and its allies in the region take any action against Pyongyang, they will face a firm reaction.

At the same time, the Anadolu News Agency writes that the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced in a published statement: “The US Congress has been informed of the sale of 25 F-35 fighter jets to South Korea.” The statement further said, "The proposed sale will ensure South Korea's ability to counter current and future threats and the ability to cooperate with U.S. forces." The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency also said that this possible sale would increase Seoul's number of aircraft.