The US Department of State has approved a possible $3.5 billion sale of Patriot air and missile defense systems to Turkey, the Pentagon said on Tuesday, Reuters reported.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency said the State Department had approved the sale of 80 Patriot guidance-enhanced missiles and 60 other missiles to Ankara along with related equipment.

The Pentagon said Turkey plans to use this missile complex to strengthen its air defense, protect its territorial integrity, and curb regional threats.