Republic of Korea to receive precision guided munitions
GBU31/32/38 JDAM. (Photo: USAF)
Boeing to provide precision-guided munitions to ROK as part of a possible $258 million FMS.
The US State Department has approved a possible FMS of precision-guided munitions and related equipment to the Republic of Korea (ROK).
The contract has been valued at around $258 million and Boeing will be the principal contractor.
The ROK requested to buy 3,953 Joint Direct Attack Munition Guidance Kits, KMU-556 for GBU-31, 1,981 JDAM Guidance Kits, KMU-572 for GBU-38; and 1,179 JDAM Guidance Kits, KMU-572 for GBU-38 and 1,755 FMU-139 Fuze Systems.
DSU-42/B Detectors, Laser Illuminated Target for GBU-56, weapon spare parts, US Government and contractor engineering and support are also included in the contract.
JDAM guidance kits convert unguided bombs into all-weather smart munitions. JADM-equipped bombs are guided by an integrated inertial guidance system coupled to a GPS receiver.
Currently, JDAM kits are integrated onto aircraft platforms including the F-16, the ROK is likely to install their JADM kits onto their KF-16 fighter aircraft, which have been based on the F-16C/D.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, JDAM continues to be used by US forces and more than 26 international customers, including the ROK who reportedly have already received 1040 units.
This deal could be perceived as part of the ROK's broader military preparation for the transfer of wartime operational control from the hands of the US.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Leonardo plans to fly uncrewed fighters alongside M-346 aircraft by mid-2026]()
Leonardo plans to fly uncrewed fighters alongside M-346 aircraft by mid-2026
The two uncrewed fighter aircraft will be made in conjunction with Baykar, which joined forces with Leonardo under LBA Systems in June 2025 to develop and produce uncrewed aerial systems for the international market.
-
![UK firm Skycutter comes out top in first US Drone Dominance Program competition]()
UK firm Skycutter comes out top in first US Drone Dominance Program competition
The startup was the only UK company to take part in the first Gauntlet for the programme, joining forces with its Ukraine partner to participate in the event.
-
![Robinson launches new uncrewed aircraft business unit, unveils new UAS cargo platform]()
Robinson launches new uncrewed aircraft business unit, unveils new UAS cargo platform
The new entity incorporates crewed and uncrewed capabilities to tackle a variety of mission demands in both defence and commercial markets.
-
![US plans to raise defence production by 300% but multiple uncertainties remain]()
US plans to raise defence production by 300% but multiple uncertainties remain
The strategy, schedule and budget to support Washington’s intention to speed up the manufacturing of defence capabilities remain unclear.
-
![Switzerland faces procurement shake-up with reduced F-35 buy and five-year Patriot delays]()
Switzerland faces procurement shake-up with reduced F-35 buy and five-year Patriot delays
The reduction in the number of planned F-35A aircraft from 36 to 30 by the Swiss government comes due to budget constraints, with no firm plans to fill the gap despite “negative consequences”.
-
![What will the replacement of A-10s by F-35s mean for the US Air Force?]()
What will the replacement of A-10s by F-35s mean for the US Air Force?
The USAF plans to phase out its 162 in-operation A-10 Thunderbolt II Warthogs by the end of FY2026, replacing them with F-35As which will bring a leap in capabilities in terms of lethality, survivability and speed.
