The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of Korea for UGM-84L Harpoon Block II missiles and associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated cost of $110 million.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale on November 17, 2015.
Also included are 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; publication and technical data; U.S. Government and contractor engineering and logistical support services; and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated value of MDE is $100 million. The total estimated value is $110 million.
This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by meeting the legitimate security and defense needs of an ally and partner nation. The ROK 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. interest to assist our South Korean ally in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability.
The ROK intends to use the Harpoon Block II missiles to supplement its existing Harpoon missile capability. The acquisition of the Harpoon Block II missiles and support will supplement current weapon inventories and bring the ROK Navy’s Anti-Surface Warfare performance up to existing regional baselines. The proposed sale will provide a defensive capability while enhancing interoperability with the United States and other allied forces. Sub-launched Harpoon missiles have been used by the ROK since the 1990s. The ROK will have no difficulty absorbing these additional missiles into its armed forces.
The Harpoon Block II missile can discriminate target ships from islands and other nearby land masses. The Block II is fully compatible with current operating Harpoon platforms with no modifications required. Boeing offers the Block II as an upgrade kit for existing Harpoon missiles.
The Harpoon Block II upgrade kit was initially ordered by Denmark. In February 2004, the Australian Minister of Defense Robert Hill announced acquisition of Harpoon Block II retrofit kits worth $20 million.