The U.S. State Department has approved the possible sale to South Korea of AIM-9X Block II Tactical Sidewinder Missiles and related equipment.
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced this week that the State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of Korea of AIM-9X Block II Tactical Sidewinder Missiles and related equipment for an estimated cost of $158.1 million.
According to the U.S. Defense Security Cooperation Agency, the complete package includes 115 AIM-9X Block II Tactical Sidewinder missiles; 50 AIM-9X Block II Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM); 20 AIM-9X Block II Tactical Missile Guidance Units; and 20 AIM 9X Block II CATM Guidance Units.
The sale, if it is executed, will include containers, weapon system support, software, surface transportation, missile technical assistance, and other technical assistance; and other related elements of program support.
“The proposed sale will assist the Republic of Korea in developing and maintaining a strong and ready self-defense capability,” the DSCA notice says. “The Republic of Korea will have no difficulty absorbing these missiles into its armed forces.”
The AIM-9X Block II is an air-to-air missile and it is more technologically advanced than the AIM-9 missiles.
The Raytheon’s website said that the AIM-9X Block II missile adds a redesigned fuze and a digital ignition safety device to improve handling and in-flight safety. It’s equipped with updated electronics, including a lock-on-after-launch capability using a new weapon datalink to support beyond visual range engagements.
The missile is configured for easy installation on a wide range of modern aircraft, including the F-15C Eagle, F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F/A-18 Super Hornet, E/A-18G Growler, F-22 Raptor and all F-35 Joint Strike Fighter variants.