US Defense Security Cooperation Agency, WASHINGTON: The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to Korea of AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles as well as associated equipment and services.
The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $55 million.
The Government of Korea has requested a possible sale of 102 AIM-9X Sidewinder Missiles; Organizational and Intermediate-Level Maintenance AIM-9X spares; 26 Section-Level Shipping containers; Organizational and Intermediate-Level training; and AIM-9X missile and support equipment; and publications. The estimated cost is $55 million.
The proposed sale will enhance South Korea’s defensive capabilities and increase interoperability with United States and multi-national forces supporting coalition operations. The country already has these weapon systems in its inventory, and will have no difficulty absorbing these items.
The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region. The sale of the Sidewinder AIM-9X missile system is being addressed in conjunction with the planned sale of additional F-15K fighter aircraft. AIM-9X procurement will significantly enhance the Korean Air Force's current air-to-air intercept capability to equal capabilities within their region of operations. Sales of the AIM-9X have recently been approved for other customers within the region.
The prime contractor will be Raytheon Systems Corporation, Tucson, Arizona. Although the purchaser generally requires offsets, at this time, there are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.
Implementation of this sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government personnel in-country.
There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.
This notice of a potential sale is required by law; it does not mean that the sale has been concluded.
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