FMS: AIM-120Cs, AGM-65Gs, JDAMs and Paveways for Korean F-15Ks

Released on Monday, June 23, 2008

WASHINGTON, June 23, 2008 � On June 20, 2008, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of Korea of various munitions and weapon systems as well as associated equipment and services. The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $200 million.

The Republic of Korea has requested a possible sale of 125 AIM-120C-7 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM), 14 AIM-120C Captive Air Training Missiles, 2 AIM-120C Dummy Air Training Missiles, 35 AGM-65G MAVERICK Missiles, 6 TGM-65G MAVERICK Training Missiles, 280 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) tail kits, 2 JDAM Load Build Trainers, 2 GBU-24 Laser Guided Bomb Units (PAVEWAY III), 32 GBU-12 Laser Guided Bomb Units (PAVEWAY II), 2 GBU-10 Laser Guided Bomb Units (PAVEWAY II), and 12,700 RR-170 Radar Jamming Chaff, containers, bomb components, spare/repair parts, publications, documentation, personnel training, training equipment, contractor technical and logistics personnel services, and other related support elements. The estimated cost is $200 million.

The Republic of Korea is one of the major political and economic powers in East Asia and the Western Pacific and a key partner of the United States in ensuring peace and stability in that region. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist our ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability, which will contribute to an acceptable military balance in the area. This proposed sale is consistent with those objectives. No foreign policy or military developments affect this proposed sale.

The proposed sale of weapon system support is being addressed in conjunction with the planned Direct Commercial Sale of 21 additional F-15K fighter aircraft. The proposed sale will significantly enhance the Korean Air Force's current air-to-air intercept capability to equal capabilities within their region of operations. Korea will have no difficulty absorbing these additional missiles into its armed forces. The principal contractor is the Raytheon Corporation in Tucson, Arizona. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

There are four U.S. Air Force pilots and five maintenance Extended Training Service Specialists in the Republic of Korea. They are expected to remain for the next five years.

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.