WASHINGTON, - In a move to bolster South Korea's defense capabilities amid escalating threats from North Korea, the U.S. Department of State has authorized the potential sale of advanced AIM-9X air-to-air missiles to South Korea. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), part of the Department of Defense, announced this potential Foreign Military Sale (FMS) on Wednesday, with an estimated cost of US$52.1 million.
According to Yonhap News Agency, South Korea has requested to purchase 42 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II+ Tactical Missiles, 10 AIM-9X Sidewinder Captive Air Training Missiles, and additional missile containers and related equipment. This sale aims to enhance South Korea's defense capabilities in the face of ongoing threats from its northern neighbor.
The DSCA emphasized that this proposed sale aligns with the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States. It aims to improve the security of South Korea, a significant ally in the Indo-Pacific region, known for its contributions to political stability and economic progress.
"The proposed sale will improve the Republic of Korea's capability to meet current and future threats while further enhancing interoperability with the United States and other allies," the DSCA stated in a press release. This enhancement is particularly crucial given the recent claims by North Korea regarding its ground tests of new high-thrust solid-fuel engines for intermediate-range ballistic missiles, signaling an intensified focus on missile development.
The DSCA has also delivered the required certification to Congress, notifying them of this potential sale, as congressional approval is necessary for it to proceed.
This announcement follows closely on the heels of another significant potential arms sale to South Korea. On Tuesday, the DSCA revealed that the State Department had approved a potential sale of Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) shipborne missile interceptors and related equipment to South Korea, estimated at US$650 million. This series of potential sales underscores the ongoing commitment of the United States to the security of South Korea amid heightened tensions in the Korean Peninsula.