U.S. OKs $1.5B Chinook Sale to S.Korea

The U.S. State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of Korea of CH-47F helicopters and related equipment for an estimated cost of $1.5 billion.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Republic of Korea (ROK) has requested to buy 18 CH-47F helicopters; 42 T55-GA-714A engines (36 installed, 6 spares); 22 Common Missile Warning Systems (CMWS) (18 installed, 4 spares); and 44 secure radios, RT-1987 (36 installed, 8 spares). Also included are AN/APR-39 Radar Warning Systems; AN/ARC-220 HF Airborne Communications Systems; AN/APX-123A IFF transponders; AN/ARN-147; AN/ARN 153; AN/APN-209; secure radios; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services; repair and return; storage; and other related elements of logistical and program support. The estimated total program cost is $1.5 billion.

The proposed sale will improve the ROK’s capability to meet current and future threats by strengthening its Army heavy lift capability. The CH-47F will allow the ROK to conduct missions in support of bilateral operational plans which include, but are not limited to, medical evacuation, search and rescue, parachute drops, and disaster relied, the Pentagon said.

The principal contractor will be Boeing, Ridley Park, PA.