20 July 2013

USA: Possible Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of Korea (ROK) of 260 AIM-120C-7 Air-to-Air Missiles


WASHINGTON, July 19, 2013 – The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress on July 18th of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of Korea (ROK) of 260 AIM-120C-7 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $452 million.

The Government of the Republic of Korea (ROK) has requested a possible sale of 260 AIM-120C-7 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM), containers, missile support and test equipment, provisioning, spare and repair parts, support equipment, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical documentation, U.S. Government and contractor engineering and technical support, and other related elements of program support. The estimated cost is $452 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy goals 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 proposed sale will provide the ROK with a contingency stock of AMRAAM AIM-120C-7 missiles to be used on its KF- 16 and F-15K aircraft.

AIM-120 AMRAAM (Wiki Info - Image: Wiki Commons)
The proposed sale will provide the ROK with a credible defense capability to deter aggression in the region and ensure interoperability with U.S. forces. Additionally, operational control (OPCON) will transfer from US Forces Korea/Combined Forces Command (USFK/CFC) to the ROK’s Korea Command (KORCOM) in 2015. This acquisition will enhance the capabilities needed to support the OPCON transfer.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support 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 agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will require multiple trips to Korea involving U.S. Government and contractor representatives for technical reviews/support, program management, and training over a period of eight years. U.S. contractor representatives will be required in the ROK to conduct modification kit installation, testing, and training.

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.