US mulls Aegis sale to Korea

The US State Department has approved a possible foreign military sale of Aegis combat systems to South Korea, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced on 9 June.

The potential sale also includes associated equipment, parts and logistical support for an estimated $1.91 billion. The Aegis system is being sought by South Korea to enhance the capabilities of its naval ships and upgrade its navy's ballistic missile defence and shipboard combat capability.

South Korea has requested three Aegis shipboard combat systems, three MK-41 vertical launching systems, three common data link management systems and three AN/UPX-29(V) identification friend or foe interrogators. It has also requested spare and repair parts, publications and technical documentation, support equipment, logistics support services and other related services.

Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems and Training, Raytheon, and General Dynamics Armament Systems will be the principle contractors for the sale if it goes ahead.