The US State Department has approved a potential $292-million foreign military sale of AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) to South Korea.
Seoul’s requested package covers 70 AMRAAMs and two guidance sections, in addition to AMRAAM containers, spare parts, and other logistics and program support elements.
According to the notice, the weapons are intended to strengthen South Korea’s air defense capability, deter aggression in the region, and ensure interoperability with US Forces.
RTX is the principal contractor.
The approval of the package comes after Washington cleared South Korea’s request for Joint Direct Attack Munitions under a $106-million contract.
AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM
The AIM-120C-8 is the export variant of the AIM-120 AMRAAM, an RTX-made missile featuring beyond-visual-range and fire-and-forget capabilities.
The air-to-air missile can operate day and night in all weather conditions against enemy aircraft, cruise missiles, and drones.
It is compatible with South Korea’s F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters and F-15K Slam Eagle aircraft, based on the US F-15E Strike Eagle.
The missile has been under order or in service with several US allies in Asia apart from Seoul, including Japan and Singapore.
