Korean Govt Requests Possible Sale of HARPOON Block II Missiles

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress on May 22 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Korea for 18 UGM-84L HARPOON Block II All-Up-Round Missiles and associated parts, equipment, logistical support and training for an estimated cost of $84 million.

The Government of Korea has requested a possible sale of 18 UGM-84L HARPOON Block II All-Up-Round Missiles, 1 UGM-84L HARPOON telemetry exercise section, containers, Guidance Control Units (GCU) spares, recertification and reconfiguration support, spare and repair parts, tools and tool sets, support equipment, personnel training and training equipment, publications and technical data, U.S. Government and contractor engineering and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $84 million.

The Government of Korea is one of the major political and economic powers in East Asia and the Western Pacific and a key partner of the United States in ensuring peace and stability in that region. It is vital to the U.S. national interest to assist our Korean ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability, which will contribute to an acceptable military balance in the area.

The Republic of Korea (ROK) intends to use the HARPOON Block II missiles to supplement its existing HARPOON missile capability. This will enhance the capabilities of the ROK Navy and support its regional influence, a key factor in Overseas Contingency Operations. The acquisition of the HARPOON Block II missiles and support will supplement current weapon inventories and bring the ROK’s Naval Anti-Surface Warfare performance up to existing regional baselines. The proposed sale will provide a defensive capability while enhancing interoperability with the U.S. and other allied forces. Korea will have no difficulty absorbing these additional missiles into its armed forces. The proposed sale of HARPOON missiles will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The prime contractor will be the Boeing Company in St Louis, Missouri. There are no known offset agreements proposed in connection with this potential sale.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor personnel to Korea. However, U.S. Government or contractor personnel in-country visits will be required on a temporary basis for program, technical, and management oversight and support requirements.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. This notice of a potential sale is required by law and does not mean the sale has been concluded.

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Naval Today Staff , May 24, 2012