TSAMTO, December 8. The US State Department has approved the potential supply of CH-47F Chinook transport helicopters and related equipment to the Republic of Korea under the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program.
The total value of the contract may amount to $1.5 billion. The DoD Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notified Congress of the planned sale on December 6.
The Government of the Republic of Korea has asked the United States about the possibility of selling 18 CH-47F Chinook transport helicopters; 42 T55-GA-714A engines (36 installed, 6 spare); 22 missile attack warning systems (18 installed, 4 spare); 44 protected RT-1987 radios (36 installed, 8 spare).
The request also includes the supply of AN/APR-39 radar exposure warning systems for the crew; AN/ARC-220 onboard HF radios; AN/APX-123A transponders of the "friend-foe" identification system; receivers of the near navigation and instrumental landing system (VOR/ILS) AN/ARN-147; tactical transceivers on-board navigation system AN/ARN-153 (TACAN); radar altimeters AN/APN-209; protected radio stations, engineering, technical and logistical support from the US government and the contractor; repair and return; storage; other related elements of material support and program support.
As stated, the implementation of this program is in line with the interests of US foreign policy and national security, as it will increase the security of an ally in the Asia-Pacific region.
The notification notes that the sale of helicopters will improve the capabilities of the Republic of Korea to counter existing and future threats by strengthening opportunities in the field of cargo transportation. The CH-47F will allow performing tasks in support of bilateral cooperation, including, among other things, medical evacuation, search and rescue operations, parachuting, and assistance to victims of natural disasters. At the same time, the Armed Forces of the Republic of Korea will not experience difficulties when adopting equipment.
Boeing Helicopter has been selected as the main contractor for the delivery program.
The notice of sale is published in accordance with the requirements of American law. The description and value of the sale reflect the highest estimates based on the initial requirements. The actual purchase price may be lower, depending on the final requirements, financial capabilities and signed purchase and sale agreements, if they are concluded.
As reported by TSAMTO, in July 2022, the Committee for the Promotion of Defense Projects of the Ministry of Defense of the Republic of Korea approved a project worth 1.4 trillion. WON ($1.06 billion), which assumes the delivery of 18 CH-47F Chinook helicopters for the Republic of Korea by 2028 under the FMS program. They should replace the obsolete CH-47D. According to available information, the Republic of Korea has 37 CH-47D helicopters, the average service life of which is 37.2 years.
