The US State Department on September 13 approved a potential $5.06 billion deal to provide 25 F-35 stealth fighters to South Korea amid rising tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
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| US F-35 fighter jet. (Source: CNBC) |
The US State Department has notified Congress of its green light for the sale of 25 Lockheed Martin-built F-35s, along with engines and related equipment.
The US State Department said the sale “will enhance the Republic of Korea’s ability to address current and future threats by providing a credible defense capability to deter regional aggression and ensure interoperability with US forces.”
“This proposed sale of equipment and support will not alter the military balance in the region,” Washington said. “At the same time, this sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by improving the security of a key ally and a country that is an important driver of political and economic stability in the Indo- Pacific region.”
According to the US Department of Defense, the prime contractor in the above deal will be Lockheed Martin.
On the same day, the Pentagon confirmed that the US State Department had also approved a potential $389 million deal to provide maintenance services and related equipment to Poland's F-16 fleet.
South Korea already has F-35s and should have no trouble getting the new weapons. The South Korean Air Force also operates 40 F-35As, the conventional takeoff and landing version of the aircraft, one of which was badly damaged and at risk of being grounded after hitting a bird.
The South Korean government in March 2023 approved a $2.85 billion plan to purchase additional F-35A fighters, scheduled for delivery in 2028.
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