South Korea Demand Of AIM-9X Sidewinders

The Republic of Korea has requested a possible sale of 35 All-Up-Round AIM-9X Sidewinder Missiles, 1 AIM-9M Sidewinder Missile (Legacy), 12 AIM-9X Sidewinder Captive Air Training Missiles (CATMs), 2 AIM-9X Sidewinder Dummy Air Training Missiles (DATMs), Missile Containers, missile modifications, test and support equipment, spare and repair parts, publications and technical data, maintenance, personnel training and training equipment, contractor engineering and technical support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $25 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 sale of the AIM-9X Sidewinder missile system is being addressed in conjunction with the planned sale of additional F-15K fighter aircraft. AIM-9X procurement will significantly enhance the Korean Air Force's current air-to-air intercept capability to equal capabilities within their region of operations. Korea will have no difficulty absorbing these additional missiles into its armed forces.

The prime contractor will be Raytheon Electronic Systems Company of Tucson, Arizona.

Offset agreements associated with this proposed sale are expected, but at this time the specific offset agreements are undetermined and will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and contractor.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.