The U.S. State Department has approved a proposed sale to South Korea of Aegis combat systems that will be used to arm the country's next-generation destroyers.
  

South Korea has asked to buy 3 Aegis Shipboard Combat Systems, associated equipment, parts and logistical support and the State Department approved the proposed sale, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said.
  

The total estimated cost is $1.91 billion, it said.
  

"The Aegis Combat System will provide enhanced capabilities on the ROK's naval ships to defend against possible aggression and protect sea lines of communications," the agency said in a statement. "Aegis is the keystone in the ROK Navy's efforts to upgrade its shipboard combat and ballistic missile defense capability."
  

In November, South Korea decided to buy the Aegis Combat System from the U.S. defense firm Lockheed Martin for the country's three Aegis destroyers called Gwanggaeto the Great, expected to be deployed starting in 2023. (Yonhap)