Republic of Korea -­ AIM-9X SIDEWINDER Missiles

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Media/Public Contact
Lorna Jons (703) 604-6618
Transmittal No
09-52

WASHINGTON, Aug. 6, 2009 ­ Today the Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress of a possible foreign military sale to the Government of the Republic of Korea of 55 All-Up-Round AIM-9X SIDEWINDER Missiles, associated equipment, and logistical support for an estimated cost of $41 million.

The Republic of Korea (ROK) has requested a possible sale of 55 All-Up-Round AIM-9X SIDEWINDER Missiles, 12 AIM-9X SIDEWINDER Captive Air Training Missiles (CATMs), 2 AIM- 9X CATM Missile Guidance Units, missile containers, missile modifications, test and support equipment, spare and repair parts, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical data, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance and other related logistical support.

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 these objectives.

The Republic of Korea needs these missiles to enhance the ROK 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 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 not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to Korea.

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. It does not mean that the sale has been concluded.

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