U.S. approves potential sale of JDAM precision bombs to S. Korea

WASHINGTON, June 5 (Yonhap) -- The U.S. government has authorized a potential sale to South Korea of Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) precision bombs and related equipment, the State Department said Monday, noting the proposed sale will help enhance the Asian ally's defense capabilities.

The department announced its decision on the potential government-to-government Foreign Military Sale (FMS) estimated to cost US$106 million. The proposed sale requires congressional notification and review.

South Korea has made a request to buy 708 KMU-557 JDAM tail kits, 58 KMU-572 JDAM guidance sets and other items, including weapons support equipment and U.S. government and contractor engineering, technical and logistics support services, according to the department.

"The proposed sale will improve the Republic of Korea's capability to meet current and future threats by expanding its critical air defense capability in the region and ensuring interoperability with U.S. forces," the department said.

The principal contractor for the weapons sale will be the Boeing Company located in Arlington, Virginia, it said.

This photo, released by South Korea's Air Force, shows airmen loading a JDAM bomb on an F-15K fighter jet at a military base on Feb. 14, 2013. (PHOTO NOT FOR SALE) (Yonhap)