Trump admin authorizes $2.6bn missiles, spy planes sale to South Korea
The administration of US President Donald Trump has authorized the sale of around $2.6 billion worth of missiles and surveillance aircraft to South Korea.
Under the deal, the US will sell six P-8A Poseidon patrol aircraft to South Korea for an estimated cost of $2.1 billion and 64 Patriot Advanced Capability missiles worth around $501 million, the US State Department announced Thursday.
"The proposed sale will support US foreign policy and national security objectives by enhancing Korea's naval capabilities to provide national defense and significantly contribute to coalition operations," according to a State Department press release.
If approved by Congress, the deal would allow Seoul to replace the aging fleet of US-made P-3 surveillance planes that it has been using for the 25 years with the newest maritime, patrol and reconnaissance aircraft made by the US.
"The proposed sale will allow the ROK to modernize and sustain its MSA capability for the next 30 years. As a long-time P-3 operator, the ROK will have no difficulty transitioning its MSA force to P-8A," the statement said.
Besides surveillance operations, the Poseidon aircraft are capable of detecting submarines and firing a range of torpedoes to hunt them.
South Korea was also going to receive tactical radio, navigation and early missile warning sensors for the aircraft as part of the deal.
The State Department noted that the Patriot missile system would allow the South Korean military “to guard against hostile aggression and shield the allies who train and operate within South Korea's borders."
While the US has long persuaded the South Koreans to buy American weapons to deter an “aggressive North Korea,” the timing of this particular sale is questionable as it coincides with an international campaign that aims to reduce tensions on the Korean Peninsula.
Following the historic meeting between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jon-un earlier this year, Pyongyang has toned down its ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons programs to de-escalate tensions with the US and its regional allies.
The North even decided to omit controversial missiles, which are said to be capable of targeting the US mainland, from a military parade that marked the 70th anniversary of its establishment.
Two US military officials, however, told CNN this week that Washington and its allies were days away from launching a new effort to "name and shame" Pyongyang’s violations of sanctions aimed at curbing its nuclear and missile programs.
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