U.S. State Department Approves Sale of $125 Million in "Sidewinder" Missiles to South Korea

On August 21, Xinhua News Agency reported from Washington (reporters Huang Qiang and Xu Jianmei) that the U.S. State Department announced on the 21st that it has approved the sale of $125 million worth of AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missiles and related equipment services to South Korea.

The statement said that the South Korean government has requested to purchase 103 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II tactical missiles and 10 sets of tactical guidance components for this type of missile, along with related accessories and services. This proposed arms sale "will enhance South Korea's air defense and deterrence capabilities," "ensure interoperability with U.S. forces," and help South Korea improve its "ability to respond to current and future threats."

According to the official website of the U.S. Navy's Naval Air Systems Command, the AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II missile is the most advanced short-range air-to-air missile currently in service with the U.S. military and can also be used to strike ground targets.

In addition, on the same day, the U.S. State Department also issued statements announcing the approval of foreign military sales to Norway and Italy. The U.S. will sell 21 UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters and related engines and equipment to the Norwegian government, with a total value of approximately $2.3 billion; and will sell 5,031 sets of Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System-II air-to-air guidance components and related equipment to the Italian government, with a total value of approximately $364 million.