US considers Korean Harpoon sale
The US state department is considering a potential foreign military sale (FMS) to South Korea for UGM-84L Harpoon Block II missiles and associated equipment, parts and logistical support, it was announced on 18 November.
Nineteen UGM-84L Harpoon Block II All-Up-Round missiles and 13 Block II upgrade kits have been requested by the Republic of Korea (ROK), along with containers; Guidance Control Units spares; recertification and reconfiguration support.
The ROK has used sub-launched Harpoon missiles since the 1990s. This request for 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 request also includes spare and repair parts; tools and tool sets; support equipment; personnel training and training equipment; publication and technical data; US Government and contractor engineering and logistical support services; and other related elements of logistics support.
If it goes ahead the estimated value of the FMS is estimated at $110 million.
More from Naval Warfare
-
US shipbuilding struggles to keep pace with China
The small production capacity of US shipyards has generated multiple delays in US Navy programmes.
-
SEA sells TLS to unnamed navy in the Americas
The longstanding modular torpedo launching system has been adopted by the unnamed navy.
-
Outgoing US Navy Secretary names a host of vessels among his last actions in the role
The outgoing US Secretary of the Navy named destroyers, submarines and aircraft carriers during his last weeks in office.
-
Can retrofitted autonomy support cash-strapped navies?
Autonomous vessels can reduce risk to the lives of naval personnel, but could retrofitting be a faster, cheaper option?