The U.S. State Department has formally given its approval for the sale of 25 additional F-35 Joint Strike Fighter jets to South Korea, in a deal estimated to be worth $5.06 billion.

The deal, which still requires congressional approval, would increase South Korea's fleet of F-35s to 65. The aircraft are considered to be among the most advanced fighter jets in the world and would boost South Korea's defense capabilities.

The announcement comes amid growing tensions in the region, with North Korea continuing to develop its nuclear and missile programs. The US has said that the sale of the F-35s is intended to help South Korea deter aggression from North Korea.

South Korea is already an operator of the F-35, having received its first deliveries in 2019. The country has ordered a total of 40 F-35s.

The sale of the additional F-35s is a major boost for the US defense industry. Lockheed Martin, the prime contractor for the F-35, is expected to be the major beneficiary of the deal.

The announcement of the sale is also seen as a sign of the close security alliance between the US and South Korea. The two countries are treaty allies and have been cooperating closely on defense matters for many years.

The sale of the F-35s is likely to be met with criticism from North Korea. The country has long condemned the deployment of US and South Korean troops and weapons in the region.

However, the US and South Korea have said that the F-35s are necessary to deter North Korea and to ensure peace and stability in the region. (ILKHA)