Pentagon Approves Lethal Weapons for Korean F-35s

The U.S. State Department has approved a Foreign Military Sale of F-35 munitions and related equipment to the Republic of Korea, totaling $271 million.

The sale includes AIM-120C-8 AMRAAMs, GBU-31v1 JDAMs, GBU-31v3 JDAMs, GBU-54 LJDAMs, GBU-12 Paveway II, GBU-39 SDB-I, and GBU-53 SDB-II, among other items.

The acquisition will enable Korea to bolster its fighter fleet with air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions, promoting deterrence against aggression and ensuring interoperability with U.S. forces.

Key contractors for the sale include Lockheed Martin Corporation, Raytheon Missiles and Defense, and the Boeing Company.

The South Korean Air Force said on December 1 that it will retire an F-35A stealth aircraft damaged in a bird collision last year. During a training session, a 10-kilogram eagle struck the jet, causing significant damage to critical components. The incident led to a belly landing, triggering discussions on repair costs, which were estimated at 140 billion won (approximately $107.6 million) and an extended repair duration.