Washington. Yesterday, the United States approved a sale of F-35 fighter jets to South Korea for $5 billion amid heightened tensions with North Korea, it was officially reported.
The sale “will enhance the Republic of Korea’s ability to confront current and future threats by providing a credible defense capability to deter aggression in the region and ensure interoperability with U.S. forces,” the State Department said in a statement.
“The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region,” he added.
The United States only approves the sale of these fighters to its closest partners, and Turkey was excluded from the F-35 program after a major purchase of a missile defense system from Russia.
The announcement came amid tensions with North Korea, which conducted its latest missile tests with leader Kim Jong-un visiting Russia to discuss greater weapons cooperation with President Vladimir Putin.
The meeting between Kim and Putin fuels fears in the United States that North Korea will supply weapons to Moscow for its military operations in Ukraine, which in the 18 months of the war has received contributions from Washington and member countries of the Organization. of the North Atlantic Treaty (NATO).
Last Monday, the White House urged North Korea “not to provide or sell weapons to Russia.” A week earlier, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan warned that North Korea “will pay a price” if it reaches an arms deal with Russia.
However, beyond the “help” that the North Korean leader promised, at the moment nothing was communicated about a possible agreement for the delivery of military equipment to Russia to support its offensive in Ukraine.
The United States stepped up tripartite cooperation with Japan and South Korea, allies that host American troops but were frequently at odds over historical disputes.
Source: Ambito
