Republic of Korea - Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) System

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Media/Public Contact
pm-cpa@state.gov
Transmittal No
16-43

WASHINGTON, Nov. 16, 2016 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of Korea for Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) System, equipment, training, and support. The estimated cost is $141 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on November 16, 2016.

The Government of the Republic of Korea (ROK) has requested the sale and installation of AN/AAQ- 24(V) Large Aircraft Infrared Countermeasures (LAIRCM) systems for up to four (4) A-330 Multi-Role Tanker and Transport (MRTT) aircraft. Each LAIRCM system consists of the following major defense equipment (MDE): three (3) Guardian Laser Terminal Assemblies (GLTA), six (6) Ultra-Violet Missile Warning System (UVMWS) Sensors AN/AAR-54, one (1) LAIRCM System Processor Replacement (LSPR), one (l) Control Indicator Unit Replacement (CIUR), one (1) Smart Card Assembly (SCA), one (1) High Capacity Card (HCC), and User Data Memory (UDM) card. The sale includes spares bringing the MDE total to twenty-six (26) GLTAs, twelve (12) LSPRs, and fifty-four (54) UVMWS Sensors AN/AAR-54.

The sale also includes the following non-MDE items: CIURs, SCAs, HHCs, UDM Cards, initial spares and repair parts, consumables, support equipment, technical data, engineering change proposals, minor modifications, publications, Field Service Representatives' (FSRs), repair and return, depot maintenance, training and training equipment, contractor technical and logistics personnel services, U.S. Government and contractor representative support, Group A and B installation support, flight test and certification, selective availability anti-spoofing module (SAASM) Global Positioning System, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $141 million.

The ROK is procuring the LAIRCM system to defend and protect its future aerial refueling and troop transport capabilities. This helps the ROK Air Force become more capable of sustaining and projecting air power across large distances and transporting its forces and fighter aircraft for both operational and training missions with less reliance on foreign partners, such as the United States. The ROK will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.

This proposed sale contributes to the foreign policy and national security of the United States. The ROK 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 U.S. national interests to assist our Korean ally in developing and maintain a strong and ready self-defense capability. This sale increases the ROK's capability to participate in Pacific regional security operations and improves its national security posture as a key U.S. ally.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support does not affect the basic military balance in the region.

This sale includes provisions for one (1) FSR to live in Korea for up to two years. Implementation of this proposed sale requires multiple temporary trips to Korea involving U.S. Government or contractor representatives over a period of up to six (6) years for program execution, delivery, technical support, and training.

The principal contractor is Northrop Grumman Corporation, Rolling Meadows, IL. At this time, there are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

There is 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.
All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Bureau of Political Military Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, pm-cpa@state.gov.
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