US greenlights potential sale of fight jet upgrades to South Korea

By Im Yoon-seo Posted : November 20, 2024, 15:36 Updated : November 20, 2024, 15:36
 
F-15K fighter jets participate in an air drill on Nov. 3, 2024, in this photo provided by the Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS).
SEOUL, November 20 (AJP) - South Korea will acquire equipment, program support and other related logistics to upgrade its F-15K fighter jets from the U.S.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said on Tuesday that the U.S. State Department has approved the purchase which is estimated to cost US$6.2 billion.

The procurement is being made under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program, which is part of the U.S. strategy to supply weapons to foreign governments and requires congressional endorsement.

"This proposed sale will improve [South Korea's] capability to meet current and future threats by increasing its critical air defense capability to deter aggression in the region and to ensure interoperability with U.S. forces," the DSCA said.

U.S. aircraft maker Boeing and aerospace and defense company Raytheon Technologies are expected to handle the delivery as the primary contractors.