US moves to sell South Korea advanced missiles

Washington, Apr 21: The Pentagon today announced the proposed sale to South Korea of advanced SM-2 missiles and related gear valued at up to 372 million dollars.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency said in a notice to Congress that Seoul had requested up to 210 Raytheon Co-built SM-2 Block IIIA/B missiles and support equipment plus technical assistance from the US government.

''The proposed sale will enhance South Korea's defensive capabilities and increase interoperability with US and mulit-national forces supporting coalition operations,'' the Pentagon said.

Such missiles, already in the inventory of South Korea and Japan, are designed to shoot down enemy aircraft and cruise missiles aimed at ships.

At the same time, the Pentagon notified lawmakers of plans to sell Seoul Raytheon AIM-9X Sidewinder air-combat missiles valued at up to 55 million dollars if all options are exercised.

The congressional notices are required by law for arms sales above certain amounts and do not mean that a deal has been wrapped up.

Reuters