Mike Stone and Katharine Johnson

WASHINGTON, (Reuters) – The U.S. State Department approved sale to Australia of mobile rocket launchers as part of its efforts to increase military presence in the Indo-Pacific.

According to Pentagon, several arms sales by the United States to its allies were approved Tuesday. These included helicopters for Egypt and missiles for the Netherlands.

Australia has seen an increase in defense spending as China seeks out a greater presence within the Indo-Pacific. Australia and Britain signed a contract last year to purchase nuclear submarines.

Australia’s High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems launches and other equipment are being sold for an estimated $385million.

Australia asked for 20 HIMARS to be purchased, according to the Pentagon. Principal contractors will be Lockheed Martin (NYSE:), L3Harris Corp. and Chelton Inc., the company said.

The State Department approves sales at this stage.

For an estimated $2.6 billion, the U.S. approved Egypt’s sale of CH-47F Chinook helicopters as well as related equipment.

Egypt asked for 23 CH-47F Chinook helicopters. The Pentagon confirmed that Boeing (NYSE:) Helicopter Co. will be the main contractor.

The Netherlands renewed an earlier order for AIM-9X Block II Tactical Missiles (AIM-9X Block II+ Tactical Missiles) According to the Pentagon, these missiles will come from Raytheon (NYSE :), and are estimated at $117 million in total value.

Congress was notified by the Pentagon’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency about the sale of its assets on Thursday.