FMS: Republic of Korea Requests Upgrade of 35 F-16C/D Block 32 Aircraft

Released on Tuesday, May 26, 2009

WASHINGTON, May 26, 2009 � On May 22, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of the Republic of Korea to support the upgrade of 35 F-16 Block 32 Aircraft. The estimated cost is $250 Million.

The Republic of Korea has requested a possible sale to support the upgrade of 35 F-16 Block 32 aircraft to allow employment of Joint Direct Attack Munitions, Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles, Improved Data Modem, and Secure Voice capabilities, test and support equipment, spare and repair parts, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical data, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance and other related logistics support. The estimated cost is $250 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 Republic of Korea needs the material and services proposed to adequately operate the F-16 weapon systemto its fullest and utmost capability in both a deterrent role and a coalition role with United States Forces Korea and the Combined Forces Command.

The prime contractor will be Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company in Fort Worth, Texas. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. Implementation of this proposed sale will require temporary travel for U.S. Government or contractor representatives to the Republic of Korea for in-country support.

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.