WASHINGTON

The US State Department made a determination approving a possible sale of maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft and lightweight torpedoes and related equipment to Singapore, the Pentagon said Tuesday.

The estimated cost is $2.316 billion, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a statement.

"The proposed sale will improve Singapore's capability to meet current and future threats by providing a credible maritime force capable of deterring adversaries and participating in U.S. allied operations," it said.

The principal contractor will be The Boeing Company, located in Arlington, Virginia.