The US State Department has authorized a potential Foreign Military Sale valued at $292 million for the supply of AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAMs) to South Korea. The proposed package includes 70 missiles, two guidance units, missile containers, spare parts, and associated logistics and program support services.
According to US officials, the acquisition is intended to enhance South Korea’s air defense capabilities, strengthen regional deterrence, and maintain seamless interoperability with US military forces operating in the region. RTX has been identified as the prime contractor for the deal.
The approval follows a separate US decision to clear South Korea’s procurement of Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs) under a $106 million agreement.
The AIM-120C-8 is the export version of RTX’s AIM-120 AMRAAM, a beyond-visual-range missile equipped with fire-and-forget targeting technology. Designed for all-weather, day-and-night operations, the missile can engage a wide range of aerial threats, including combat aircraft, cruise missiles, and unmanned systems.
The weapon is compatible with South Korea’s fleet of F-35A Lightning II stealth fighters and F-15K Slam Eagle aircraft, a derivative of the US F-15E Strike Eagle. Beyond South Korea, the missile is also in service or on order with several US partners in Asia, including Japan and Singapore.
