The Pentagon notified Congress of the planned arms sale after Turkey's military launched a major operation last week against Kurdish rebels in retaliation for an attack that killed 24 Turkish soldiers.

In an unusual move, the three helicopters and spare parts would be sold from the US Marine Corps' fleet and the Marines would then be allowed to use the proceeds from the arms sale to buy new aircraft, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said in a statement.

Under US law, the administration must give Congress notice before going ahead with major arms deals, and it was unclear if lawmakers would try to hold up the sale amid concerns over Turkey's recent friction with Israel.

The proposed sale, which includes equipment, parts, training and logistical support, would allow Turkey to bolster its "self-defense," the DSCA said.

"AH-1 W helicopters are already in the Turkish Land Forces Command inventory and will further enhance Turkey's ground defense capabilities," it said.

Turkey's recent operation against the Kurdish rebels struck five different locations in the country's southeast and across the Iraqi border, according to the army.

Clashes between rebels from the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and Turkish army have escalated since the summer.

The PKK, listed as a terrorist organization by Turkey and much of the international community, took up arms for Kurdish independence in southeastern Turkey in 1984, sparking a conflict that has claimed some 45,000 lives.