US approves sale of 25 F-35 aircraft to South Korea

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.

US F-35 fighter jet. (Source: CNBC)

The US State Department has notified Congress of the green light for the sale of 25 F-35s built by Lockheed Martin, along with engines and related equipment.

The US State Department said the sale “will enhance South Korea’s ability to address current and future threats by providing a credible defense capability to deter regional aggression and ensure compatibility with US forces.”

Washington asserted: “This proposed sale of equipment and support will not alter the military balance in the region.” At the same time, this sale will support US foreign policy and national security 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 main 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 for Poland's F-16 fleet.

South Korea already has F-35s and will have no trouble receiving the new weapons. The South Korean Air Force also operates 40 F-35As, the conventional take-off and landing version of the aircraft, one of which was severely 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.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/my-thong-qua-thuong-vu-ban-25-may-bay-f-35-cho-han-quoc-242005.html