U.S. Approves $52.1M Sale of AIM-9X Sidewinder Missiles to South Korea

The U.S. State Department has granted approval for a Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to the Republic of Korea, encompassing AIM-9X Block II and Block II+ Sidewinder Missiles, along with associated equipment.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) officially notified Congress of the $52.1 million deal.

The Republic of Korea's request includes 42 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II+ Tactical Missiles, 10 AIM-9X Sidewinder Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM), 5 AIM-9X Block II+ Sidewinder Tactical Guidance Units (GU), and 3 AIM-9X Sidewinder CATM Guidance Units (GU). Additionally, the package comprises missile containers, spare parts, support equipment, publications, technical documentation, personnel training, and U.S. Government and contractor representatives’ technical assistance.

Raytheon Missiles and Defense (RMD) is designated as the principal contractor for this transaction. The Republic of Korea Air Force, which already operates the AIM-9X Block II version, plans to integrate these missiles onto its Boeing F-15K Slam Eagle, Lockheed Martin KF-16 Fighting Falcon, and F-35A Lightning II fighter aircraft.

This approval follows the March 2020 announcement by the U.S. Department of Defense, indicating South Korea as one of the recipients of Block II+ missiles under a $392 million contract awarded to Raytheon.

The timing of today’s contract approval coincides with North Korea's recent claim of ground tests for new high-thrust solid-fuel engines for intermediate-range ballistic missiles.

This decision comes on the heels of another State Department approval for the potential sale of Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) shipborne missile interceptors and related equipment to South Korea, estimated at $650 million, as announced by the agency on Tuesday.