South Korea To Buy Sidewinder Missiles From US

South Korea has requested the US sale of AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder missiles and associated support States through a Foreign Military Sales deal worth $98 million.

The U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which notified Congress earlier this week of the possible sale to the Republic of Korea, said the U.S. Department of State has already signed off on the deal.

"The ROK continues to be an important force for peace, political stability and economic progress in North East Asia," the agency said.

"The ROK intends to use these AIM-9X missiles to supplement its existing missile capability and current weapon inventory. This sale will contribute to the ROK's force modernization goals and enhance interoperability with U.S. forces.

"The ROK will use this enhanced capability to strengthen its homeland defense and deter regional threats," it told Congress.

Korea will procure 76 AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Block II All-Up-Round Missiles; 24 CATM-9X-2 Captive Air Training Missiles; eight CATM-9X-2 Block II Missile Guidance Units; and four AIM-9X-2 Block II Tactical Guidance Units.

Containers, missile support and test equipment, provisioning, spare and repair parts, personnel training and training equipment are also part of the package.