US to sell Electronic Warfare Aircraft to South Korea

The United States has agreed to sell four E-7 long-range radar detection and control aircraft, along with related equipment, to the Republic of Korea for $4.92 billion, Azernews reports .

The agreement was announced by the U.S. State Department and the relevant agency within the Pentagon, which is responsible for supplying military equipment abroad through intergovernmental contracts, strengthening relations between the U.S. military and other nations, and providing financial and technical assistance to Washington's defense partners.

As part of the deal with Seoul, the transfer will include CFM56 jet engines, global positioning systems, radios, digital radar warning receivers, missile attack warning sensors, transponders, as well as personnel training, spare parts, and maintenance.

According to the State Department and the Pentagon, the sale "will enhance the Republic of Korea's ability to counter both current and future threats." U.S. officials have stated that the deal "will not alter the basic military balance" in the region. The document also notes that the sale "will not negatively impact the operational readiness of the U.S. defense system."

Approval for these agreements, as required by U.S. law, has been granted by the State Department. The Washington administration has already notified Congress of its decision, and the legislative branch now has 30 days to review the agreements and potentially block them.