Korea – F-35 Aircraft

WASHINGTON, September 13, 2023 - The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of Korea of F-35 Aircraft and related equipment for an estimated cost of $5.06 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today.

The Government of the Republic of Korea has requested to buy up to twenty-five (25) F-35 Joint Strike Fighter Conventional Take Off and Landing (CTOL) aircraft; and up to twenty-six (26) Pratt & Whitney F135-PW-100 engines (25 installed, 1 spare). Also included are AN/PYQ-10 Simple Key Loaders (SKL); KIV-78 Cryptographic Appliques; Electronic Warfare (EW) Reprogramming Lab support; Cartridge Actuated Devices/Propellant Actuated Devices (CAD/PAD); classified software delivery and support; Contractor Logistics Support (CLS); aircraft and munitions support and support equipment; spare parts, consumables, accessories, and repair/return support; aircraft engine component improvement program (CIP) support; secure communications, precision navigation, and cryptographic devices; major modifications, maintenance, and maintenance support, to include Block 4 upgrade; transportation, ferry, and refueling support; personnel training and training equipment, including simulators; classified and unclassified publications and technical documents; studies and surveys; U.S. Government and engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $5.06 billion.

This proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the IndoPacific region.

The proposed sale will improve the Republic of Korea’s capability to meet current and future threats by providing credible defense capability to deter aggression in the region and ensure interoperability with U.S. forces. The proposed sale will augment Korea’s operational aircraft inventory and enhance its air-to-air and airto-ground self-defense capability. Korea already has F-35s in its inventory and will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces.

The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region.

The principal contractors will be Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company, Fort Worth, TX, and Pratt & Whitney Military Engines, East Hartford, CT. The purchaser typically requests offsets. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor.

Implementation of this proposed sale will not require the assignment of any additional U.S. Government or contractor representatives to the Republic of Korea.

There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.

This notice of a potential sale is required by law. The description and dollar value are for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded.

All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Bureau of Political Military Affairs, Office of Congressional and Public Affairs, pm-cpa@state.gov.

-30-