WASHINGTON

The US State Department made a determination approving the possible sale of airstrike weapons and related equipment to Canada, the Pentagon said Thursday.

The estimated cost is $2.68 billion, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement.

"The proposed sale will improve Canada’s credible defense capability to deter aggression in the region, ensure interoperability with U.S. forces, and strengthen Canada’s ability to contribute to shared continental defense," it added.

The principal contractors will be The Boeing Company and RTX Corporation, both based in Virginia.