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World Defense & Security News - South Korea
 
 
South Korea orders AGM-65G-2 Maverick and AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder missiles
 
The US State Department has approved two Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of Korea for AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder, AGM-65G-2 Maverick, and related support, for an estimated cost of $140 million, the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on Feb. 1, 2017.
     
South Korea orders AGM 65G 2 Maverick and AIM 9X 2 idewinder missiles 640 001A Raytheon's AIM-9X-2 air-to-air missile
(Credit: Raytheon)
     
South Korea has requested a possible sale of 60 AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Block II All-up-Round Missiles and six AIM-9X-2 Block II Tactical Guidance Units, containers, spares and missile support, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance, and other related elements of logistics support. The ROK Government also ordered 89 AGM-65G-2 Maverick missiles, missile containers and other related elements of support. The total estimated cost for both orders is $140 million.

"It is vital to U.S. national interests to assist our Korean ally in developing and maintaining 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 DSCA said on its website.

The ROK intends to use the AIM-9X-2 Sidewinder Block II missiles to supplement its existing inventory of AIM-9X-2 Block II missiles. The AGM-65 Maverick is an air-to-ground tactical missile (AGM) designed for close air support. The G model's major difference is its heavier penetrator warhead taken from the Maverick E. The ROK will use the enhanced capability as a deterrent to regional threats and to strengthen its homeland defense.

The principal contractor is Raytheon Missile Systems Company.