US approves South Korean US$52.1 million Sidewinder missiles deal
South Korean has requested 42 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II+ Tactical Missiles. (Photo: RMD)
Raytheon Missiles and Defense will provide dozens of AIM-9X Sidewinder Tactical and Training Missiles for the South Korean military.
The US State Department has approved a US$52.1 million Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to South Korea for AIM-9X Block II and Block II+ Sidewinder Missiles.
The South Korean government has requested 42 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II+ Tactical Missiles, 10 AIM-9X Sidewinder Captive Air Training Missiles (CATM), 5 AIM-9X Block II+ Sidewinder Tactical Guidance Units (GU) and 3 AIM-9X Sidewinder CATM Guidance Units (GU).
Raytheon Missiles and Defense (RMD) has been selected as the deal’s principal contractor, while the package will also include missile containers, spare parts and support equipment.
According to Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA), the sale would continue to support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the US ‘by improving the security of a major ally’ in the Indo-Pacific region.
‘South Korea will have no difficulty absorbing these articles into its armed forces,’ the agency noted.
The DSCA, which delivered the required certification to notify Congress earlier this week, added that US government and contractor personnel would visit South Korea to offer program technical oversight, maintenance support and training in country.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![July drone digest: Sovereign production takes centre stage at Farnborough]()
July drone digest: Sovereign production takes centre stage at Farnborough
Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) 2026 revealed the growing scale of the UK’s uncrewed ambitions, with companies showcasing new CCA, autonomous wingmen and surveillance drones, while sovereign production emerged as a key factor for multiple programmes.
-
![July air forces review: Farnborough steals the headlines as programmes develop]()
July air forces review: Farnborough steals the headlines as programmes develop
The biannual Farnborough International Airshow 2026 was the backdrop in July for scores of deals, partnerships and announcements, including developments in the multinational next-generation Global Combat Air Programme and the UK’s $486 million trainer aircraft requirement.
-
![Maximise survivability with advanced electronic warfare (video)]()
Maximise survivability with advanced electronic warfare (video)
BAE Systems’ all-digital EW delivers 360-degree threat awareness in contested environments, boosts survivability, and cuts lifecycle costs.
-
![US Air Force seeks avionics upgrades for ageing T-38 Talon as T-7A Red Hawk delays persist]()
US Air Force seeks avionics upgrades for ageing T-38 Talon as T-7A Red Hawk delays persist
The USAF is looking for commercial avionics solutions to improve the T-38 Talon’s reliability, readiness and flight safety as continued T-7A Red Hawk delays increase the likelihood that the legacy trainer will remain in service longer than planned.
-
![British Army’s Project Corvus selection highlights new era of drone sovereignty]()
British Army’s Project Corvus selection highlights new era of drone sovereignty
The UK’s choice of the Tekever AR5 for Project Corvus reflects a wider shift in military drone procurement towards solutions that centre on sovereignty and domestic production, moving away from overseas reliance.
