FMS: Republic of Korea Wants Harpoon Block II Missiles

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the Republic of South Korea for Harpoon Block II Missiles as well as associated equipment and services.

The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $130 million. The Government of Korea has requested a possible sale of 42 AGM-84L (air-launched) and 16 UGM-84L (submarine-launched) HARPOON guided missiles, 22 MK 607 MOD 0 containers, 2 HARPOON Training Ballistic Air Missiles, containers; training devices; spare and repair parts; technical support; support equipment; personnel training and training equipment; technical data and publications; U.S. Government and contractor engineering and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics support.

The estimated cost is $130 million. The Government 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. Korea intends to use the purchase to upgrade and modernize its existing HARPOON missile capability. The missiles will be installed on South Korea's Navy Destroyers, Submarines, Patrol Boats, and F-16 and P-3C aircraft.

Korea already has operational HARPOON missiles and weapons stations in its military inventory. It will have no difficulty absorbing these additional missiles into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not affect the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractors will be: The Boeing Company of St. Louis, Missouri and Delex Systems, Incorporated, of Vienna, Virginia. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale. U.S. Government or contractor personnel may be temporarily assigned in country, to conduct technical and program management oversight and support requirements. This notice of a potential sale is required by law; it does not mean that the sale has been concluded.

Source: