ROK requests P-8A aircraft
The US State Department has made a determination approving a potential foreign military sale of P-8A maritime patrol aircraft to the Republic of Korea, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency announced on 13 September.
In a package worth $2.1 billion, Korea has requested six P-8A aircraft, nine Multifunctional Information Distribution System Joint Tactical Radio Systems 5, 14 LN-251 with embedded GPS/INS and 42 AN/AAR-54 missile warning sensors.
The request also includes commercial engines; tactical open mission software; electro-optical and Infrared MX-20HD; AN/AAQ-2(V)1 acoustic system; AN/APY-10 radar; ALQ-240 electronic support measures; AN/ALE-47 counter measures dispensing system; operation support systems; maintenance trainer/classrooms; and other associated logistics support equipment.
Korea has operated P-3 maritime surveillance aircraft for more than 25 years, providing interoperability and critical capabilities to coalition maritime operations. The proposed sale will allow Korea to modernise and sustain its maritime patrol capability for the next 30 years.
If the sale goes ahead, Boeing will be the prime contractor.
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