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.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
Royal Canadian Navy advances with the construction of its first River-Class destroyer
Scheduled for delivery by 2033, HMCS Fraser will be a major surface component of the Canadian maritime combat power.
-
Ireland orders Thales towed array sonar
Ireland has a large Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) which extends 370km (200nm) offshore and contains 75% of the transatlantic subsea cables which carry $10 trillion in financial transactions daily. The country is investing to increase protection and surveillance of these waters.
-
South Korea advances next-gen naval concepts for future force needs
HHI and Hanwha Ocean outline highly autonomous and unmanned-enabled designs as the ROKN explores force structure for the 2030s and beyond.
-
South Korean shipbuilders showcase export ambitions amid ongoing KDDX delays
Hyundai and Hanwha recently unveiled advanced frigate and submarine designs while South Korea eyes new export markets and resolves internal rivalries