The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to Korea for AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Missiles and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $98 million.  The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on April 7, 2014.

The Government of the Republic of Korea (ROK) has requested a possible sale of 76 AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Block II All-Up-Round Missiles, 24 CATM-9X-2 Captive Air Training Missiles, 8 CATM-9X-2 Block II Missile Guidance Units, and 4 AIM-9X-2 Block II Tactical Guidance Units, containers, missile support and test equipment, provisioning, spare and repair parts, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical data, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance and other related logistics and program support.The estimated cost is $98 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by meeting the legitimate security and defense needs of an ally and partner nation.  The ROK continues to be an important force for peace, political stability and economic progress in North East Asia.

The ROK intends to use these AIM-9X missiles to supplement its existing missile capability and current weapon inventory.  This sale will contribute to the ROK’s force modernization goals and enhance interoperability with U.S. forces.  The ROK will use this enhanced capability to strengthen its homeland defense and deter regional threats.

The proposed sale of this weapon system will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractor will be Raytheon Missile Systems Company in Tucson, Arizona. There are no known offset requirements in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor personnel to Korea.  However, U.S. Government or contractor personnel in-country visits will be required on a temporary basis in conjunction with program technical and management oversight and support requirements.

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 and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

DSCA press release