Republic of Korea decided to purchase Boeing's P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft in a US$1.7 billion project, the country’s Defence Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) announced on Monday.

The DAPA said, “We have decided to purchase the latest maritime patrol aircraft for conducting patrol, search and rescue operations through the foreign military sale program from the U.S. government, in consideration of the cost, time schedule, capabilities as well as the legal aspect,” in a press release.

The number of aircraft was not announced in the release. But previous reports said it would be a complement of four aircraft with options to purchase more later.