The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress today of a likely Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of Korea for Phase 1 upgrades of 134 KF-16C/D Block 52 aircraft and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $200 million.
The Republic of Korea has requested a potential sale for Phase 1 of an upgrade of 134 KF-16C/D Block 52 aircraft to be completed in a possible two-phased approach. Phase 1 entails the sale of U.S. Government and contractor technical, engineering, and logistics support services to support the initial design and development for the whole upgrade program.
This phase will furnish detailed design requirements to incorporate computers, displays, sensors and weapons, system design and pilot-vehicle interface efforts; initiate software design and development; engineering installation design (Group A); construction of an avionics systems integration facility and test stations; define support and coaching requirements; develop long-lead items; and get ready reports, analyses, and presentations to support system requirements and preliminary design reviews.
Phase 2, if implemented, pertains to the KF-16C/D aircraft upgrade with advanced radar and updated avionics. Within the event of this sort of sale, a subsequent notification shall be prepared.
This notice relates only to Phase 1. The estimated cost is $200 million.
This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the us by meeting the legitimate security and defense needs of an ally and partner nation. The ROK remains a great force for peace, political stability, and economic progress in North East Asia.
This proposed sale will provide the ROK with a design and development plan to enhance the capabilities of its KF-16 fleet so that it will continue to discourage regional threats and strengthen its homeland defense. If Phase 2 of the upgrade program is implemented, the upgraded KF-16 will contribute to the ROK’s goal to develop a more capable militia and enhance interoperability with U.S. forces.
The proposed sale of this support cannot alter the fundamental military balance within the region.
The principal contractor can be BAE Systems Technology Solution & Services, Inc. in Arlington, Virginia. There are not any known offset agreements proposed in reference to this potential sale.
Implementation of this proposed sale would require one additional contractor representative to ROK to facilitate communications with the FMS customer to elucidate requirements in support of development activities.
There may be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness due to this proposed sale.
This notice of a possible sale is needed by law and doesn’t mean the sale have been concluded.
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