What did the U.S. approve for Korea in the AIM-9X missile sale?

The U.S. authorized a potential government-to-government sale of AIM-9X air-to-air missiles and related equipment to Korea. The request covers 103 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II tactical missiles, 10 guidance units, and other support items.

How much is the Korea AIM-9X missile package estimated to cost?

The State Department estimated the proposed sale at $125 million. It also said the transaction is still subject to congressional notification and review before completion.

Why did the State Department say the AIM-9X sale would matter for Korea?

The department said the sale would improve Korea’s capability to meet current and future threats by expanding air defense capability, deterring aggression in the region and ensuring interoperability with U.S. forces.

US approves potential sale to Korea of AIM-9X air-to-air missiles

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Summary

The U.S. government authorized a potential sale to Korea of AIM-9X air-to-air missiles and related equipment in Washington on Friday. The State Department said the proposed Foreign Military Sale is estimated at $125 million and still needs congressional notification and review. Korea requested 103 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II tactical missiles, 10 guidance units, training aids, spare parts and other non-major defense items. The department said the sale would help expand Korea’s air defense capability and ensure interoperability with U.S. forces.

Key Facts

The proposed Foreign Military Sale is estimated to cost $125 million.
Korea requested 103 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II tactical missiles and 10 guidance units.
The package also includes training aids, devices and spare parts among other non-major defense items.
The principal contractor will be RTX Corporation in Arlington, Virginia.
The proposed sale requires congressional notification and review before it can proceed.

By Yonhap

Published Aug 22, 2026 8:39 am KST

An F-15K fighter jet firing an AIM-9X air-to-air missile during a training session over a Yellow Sea firing range, May 20. Yonhap

WASHINGTON — The U.S. government has authorized a potential sale to Korea of AIM-9X air-to-air missiles and related equipment, the State Department said Friday, noting that the proposed sale will help enhance the Asian ally's air defense capabilities.

The department announced its decision on the potential government-to-government Foreign Military Sale (FMS), which is estimated to cost $125 million. The proposed sale requires congressional notification and review.

Korea has requested the purchase of 103 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II tactical missiles and 10 guidance units, as well as other non-major defense items, such as training aids and devices, and spare parts, according to the department.

"This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major ally that is an important force for political stability and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific region," the department said in a release.

"The proposed sale will help improve the Republic of Korea's capability to meet current and future threats by expanding its air defense capability, deterring aggression in the region, and ensuring interoperability with U.S. Forces," it added.

The principal contractor will be RTX Corporation, located in Arlington, Virginia, it said.

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