South Korea to purchase Patriot upgraded to Guided Enhanced Missile-Tactical configuration 2710131

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Defence & Security News - South Korea

 
 
Sunday, October 27, 2013 11:19 AM
 
South Korea to purchase Patriot missiles upgraded to Guided Enhanced Missile-Tactical configuration
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency of United States notified Congress October 25, 2013, of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of Korea for Patriot Anti-Tactical Missiles and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $404 million.
     
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency of United States notified Congress October 25, 2013, of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of Korea for Patriot Anti-Tactical Missiles and associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support for an estimated cost of $404 million.
Guidance Enhanced Missile TBM (GEM-T) is the latest in-production series of the highly successful Raytheon Patriot missile variants available to both U.S. forces and international customers. GEM-T deliveries to the U.S. Army began in 2006.
     

The Republic of Korea (ROK) has requested a possible sale to procure 112 Patriot Anti-Tactical Missiles (ATM, which will be upgraded to the Guided Enhanced Missile-Tactical (GEM-T) configuration via a Direct Commercial Sale), test equipment, spare and repair parts, personnel training, publications and technical data, U.S. Government and contractor technical and logistics support services, and other related elements of logistics support. The estimated cost is $404 million.

This proposed sale will contribute to the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by meeting the legitimate security and defense needs of an ally and partner nation. The ROK continues to be an important force for peace, political stability, and economic progress in North East Asia. These upgraded missiles will provide the ROK with an enhanced capability to defend against ballistic missile, aircraft and cruise missile threats.

The proposed sale of ATMs (and subsequent upgrade to GEM-T) contributes to the ROK’s goal to develop a more capable defense force and enhance interoperability with U.S. forces. The ROK will have no difficulty absorbing and maintaining these additional missiles in its inventory.

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

The principal contractor for the procurement and upgrade will be Raytheon Company in Andover, Massachusetts.