The US State Department has approved the sale of 18 heavy helicopters to Israel in a deal worth up to $ 3.4 billion, MEMO reported.

The United States is committed to Israel's security and it is vital to US national interests to help Israel develop and maintain a strong and self-defense capability, the US statement said.

It is also essential to the IDF's ability to carry out a wide range of operational activities, said Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz.

Israel will receive 18 CH-53K heavy helicopters to replace the aging Yasur squadron, according to the announcement.