Korea requests FMS sale of Hellfire missiles

WASHINGTON, April 2 (UPI) -- The Republic of Korea is poised for approval of its request for a possible sale of hundreds of Hellfire missiles through the Foreign Military Sales program.

The Defense Security Cooperation Agency, which oversees the FMS program, said in a notification to Congress that the State Department had already signed off on the deal.

"This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by meeting the legitimate security and defense needs of an ally and partner nation," the agency told Congress. "The ROK is one of the major political and economic powers in East Asia and the Western Pacific and a key partner of the United States in ensuring peace and stability in that region."

The Korean request is for 400 AGM-114R1 II semi-active laser missiles with containers, 100 ATM-114Q air training missiles, and 12 M36E8 Hellfire II captive air training missiles.

Related parts, training and logistical support would be part of the package, which carries a value of $81 million.

"The ROK intends to use these Hellfire missiles to supplement its existing missile capability and current weapon inventory," DSCA said. "The ROK will use this enhanced capability to strengthen its homeland defense and deter regional threats."

Principal contractor for the missiles would be Lockheed Martin.