South Korea Clears Procurement of US Precision Weapons for F-35A Fleet

In a recent development, South Korea has received clearance to procure an array of advanced precision weapons from the United States, which it will integrate into its fleet of F-35A Lightning II aircraft.

The acquisition, detailed in a US State Department announcement posted last December, encompasses an assortment of munitions aimed at bolstering South Korea’s defense capabilities and enhancing its interoperability with US forces.

The Arsenal: Advanced Munitions for Enhanced Capabilities

The request, valued at $271 million, includes a diverse weaponry arsenal, notably 39 AIM-120C-8 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) and various other munitions.

Among the sought-after items are two AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM Guidance Sections, 88 KMU-556 Tail Kits, and 86 Mk-84 General Purpose bombs, specifically intended for targeting hardened structures such as bunkers.

Further components of this procurement encompass 342 Mk-82 bombs, 12 Mk-82 inert bombs, 35 GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs (SDBs), as well as AIM-120 control section spares and containers.

Once delivered, these air-to-air and air-to-ground munitions are anticipated to significantly fortify South Korea’s defensive capabilities and serve as a deterrent against potential aggression in the region.

“The proposed sale will improve the Republic of Korea’s capability to meet current and future threats,” the State Department announcement emphasized, affirming that South Korea’s armed forces are fully equipped to absorb and utilize these articles and services seamlessly.

Republic of Korea, or ROK, is South Korea’s official name.

Strategic Intent and Preparedness for Potential Conflict

The acquisition of these munitions signifies Seoul’s strategic intent to fortify its defense mechanisms, particularly in anticipation of potential conflicts involving North Korea.

A report by the Australian Defense Magazine highlighted that certain items cleared for procurement are designed to convert F-35 bombs into laser or satellite-guided weaponry, significantly enhancing precision targeting capabilities.

Despite the signing of a truce in 1953, South Korea remains in a technical state of war with its northern neighbor. In recent years, it has intensified efforts to bolster its defense and deterrence capabilities.

North Korea’s increasing efforts to modernize and strengthen its military capabilities to new heights, South Korea has been doubling its efforts to ensure a robust capacity for counteraction.

Addressing North Korea’s Threat: Targeted Precision and Defensive Readiness

For years, North Korea has maintained an extensive network of hardened military targets, particularly associated with its ballistic missile and nuclear weapons programs, which are prime targets for the GBU-31(v)3.

Renowned for its ability to penetrate fortified structures, the GBU-31 munition can breach 4–6 feet (1.2–1.8 m) of reinforced concrete, posing a direct threat to North Korea’s heavily fortified installations—thus preparing South Korea to address threats related to North Korea’s nuclear weapons programs.

Moreover, the quad-packed SDB-II possesses a distinctive capability to engage moving targets, potentially serving as a strategic asset for Seoul in targeting Pyongyang’s mobile ballistic missile and artillery rocket arsenal.

These mobile weapons pose substantial threats, considering North Korea’s possession of hundreds of such armaments capable of reaching deep into South Korean territory.

The tactical advantage offered by these specific weapons within the arms package underscores South Korea’s strategic intent to maintain a proactive approach to neutralize and counteract North Korea’s most potent military threats.

Advancements in South Korea’s Maritime Defense Capabilities

Meanwhile, the South Korean Navy recently conducted its inaugural domestic maritime missile live-fire test in the East Sea.

The test marked a pivotal moment as an aerial target was successfully intercepted by an SM-2 ship-to-air missile, tracked from the Samcheok Marine Research Center on Gangwon province’s eastern coast.

The Raytheon SM-2 missile, procured by Seoul from the United States in 2021 for $314 million, demonstrated its efficacy by intercepting the target at a remarkable range of up to 104 miles (167 kilometers).

This missile’s capabilities extend to targeting aircraft and anti-ship missiles, significantly enhancing South Korea’s defensive prowess in its maritime domain.

The successful test signifies a milestone for South Korea’s indigenous missile testing capabilities, as it utilized the newly inaugurated domestic maritime test facility, established in 2021.

South Korea achieved a milestone with its inaugural SM-2 ship-to-air missile test in the East Sea. The domestically conducted live-fire event demonstrates the country's advanced capabilities and cost-saving measures in the East Sea.https://t.co/R1wtsgMPve

— KOREA PRO (@southkoreapro) December 6, 2023

Apart from facilitating live-fire tests, this facility offers an array of analytical services, including underwater noise and infrared testing, according to Stars and Stripes reports.

Previously, the ROK Navy conducted tests for the SM-2 missile at the Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands in Hawaii, as reported by the Yonhap News Agency.

However, the shift to conducting these tests within South Korea not only underscores the nation’s technological advancement but also brings about significant cost savings.

According to sources, holding these tests domestically is estimated to save the country approximately 1 billion South Korean won ($769,822) per session, signifying an efficient utilization of resources and a strategic move towards enhancing domestic defense capabilities.

In summary, South Korea’s procurement of advanced precision weapons and the successful domestic maritime missile test by its Navy reflects the nation’s steadfast commitment to strengthening defense capabilities.