North Korea has condemned the United States’ decision to sell Apache helicopters to South Korea, calling it a “reckless and provocative act” that threatens regional stability.
The $3.5 billion arms deal, which includes up to 36 AH-64E Apache attack helicopters and additional military equipment, has drawn sharp criticism from Pyongyang.
In a statement issued on Friday, North Korea’s Foreign Ministry accused the US and its allies of deliberately increasing insecurity in the region.
“We strongly oppose and reject the US and its vassal forces’ arms buildup,” the ministry stated, referring to South Korea as a subordinate of the US.
The statement also criticized recent US arms sales to Japan and other Asia-Pacific nations, warning that North Korea would respond by strengthening its “strategic deterrence.”
The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) defended the sale, stating that it would bolster South Korea’s capability to counter current and future threats by providing a credible deterrent force. Although the State Department has approved the deal, it still requires approval from Congress.
South Korea’s government responded to North Korea’s accusations by pointing out that Pyongyang is the real source of instability on the Korean Peninsula. The unification ministry highlighted North Korea’s ongoing development of illegal nuclear weapons and missiles as the primary threat to peace in the region.
The announcement of the Apache helicopter sale coincides with the start of the Ulchi Freedom Shield, an annual joint military exercise between the US and South Korea that will run until August 29.
