The State Department has approved South Korea's request to purchase $158.1M in Raytheon Technologies-built (NYSE: RTX) Sidewinder missile systems along with a suite of associated equipment from the U.S. government under a foreign military sales transaction.
South Korea asked to buy 205 AIM-9X Block II Tactical Sidewinder, Captive Air Training Missile, Tactical Missile Guidance and CATM Guidance systems under the FMS agreement, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency said Thursday.
The sale also includes weapon system support, missile technical assistance and surface transportation services.
DSCA said the proposed deal aims to facilitate increased security for a U.S. ally in North East Asia and the agency does not expect the sale to affect military balance within the region.
According to Raytheon Technologies, the Sidewinder short-range missile is designed for use in air-to-air and surface combat and the system's Block 2 variant features modernized fuze and digital ignition safety units plus electronic components built to support engagements beyond visual range.
