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State Department approves sale of four E-7 radar aircraft to South Korea
The US State Department has approved the sale of four E-7 radar aircraft and related equipment to South Korea for approximately $4.9 billion, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency website reported.
As part of the deal, Seoul will also receive 10 CFM56 engines (eight installed and two spares).
Washington believes the agreement will strengthen the defense capabilities of key US allies to maintain political stability and economic development in the Indo-Pacific region.
By selling fighter jets, South Korea could also improve its reconnaissance, surveillance and air control capabilities.
The deal is not expected to change the military balance in the region, as the United States expects. Boeing, based in Renton, Washington, will be the lead contractor on the deal.
In late October, the State Department approved the possible sale of three NASAMS air defense missile systems and related equipment to Taiwan for $1.16 billion.
The United States may also supply Taiwan with three AN/MPQ-64F1 Sentinel radar systems and extended-range AIM-120 AMRAAM air-to-air missiles. The lead contractor for this order will be the American company Raytheon.