South Korea requests 24 MH-60R multi-mission helicopters in possible US$3 billion FMS

The possible sale includes the 24 helicopters, 52 Embedded Global Positioning System/Precise Positioning Service/Inertial Navigation Systems with Selective Availability/Anti-Spoofing Module, 24 Airborne Low Frequency Sonars and eight M240D 7.62mm machine guns.

Other equipment contained in the sale includes T700-GE-401D engines, AN/AVS-9 Night Vision Devices, M514 impulse cartridge/cartridge actuated devices, MJ20 cartridge actuated thruster/cartridge actuated devices, AN/AAR-47 missile warning systems, AN/APX-123 Identification Friend or Foe transponders, spare engine containers, publications and technical documentation among other items.

“This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major ally that is an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific region,” according to a public statement from the US Department of State.

“The proposed sale will improve Republic of Korea’s capability to meet current and future threats by strengthening its Navy’s multi mission helicopter capability and by providing a credible force that is capable of deterring adversaries. The Republic of Korea will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment into its armed forces.

“The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The principal contractor will be Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems, located in Owego, New York.

“There will be no adverse impact on US defence readiness as a result of this proposed sale.”