Seoul: The U.S. government has authorized a potential sale to South Korea of Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) precision bombs and related equipment, as announced by the State Department. The proposed sale is aimed at enhancing South Korea's defense capabilities.

According to Yonhap News Agency, the State Department disclosed that this potential government-to-government Foreign Military Sale (FMS) is estimated to cost approximately US$106 million. The sale is subject to congressional notification and review before being finalized.

South Korea has requested the purchase of 708 KMU-557 JDAM tail kits, 58 KMU-572 JDAM guidance sets, along with additional items such as weapons support equipment and comprehensive engineering, technical, and logistics support services from the U.S. government and contractors.

The State Department emphasized that the proposed sale is intended to improve South Korea's ability to address current and future threats by expanding its air defense capabilities and ensuring interoperability with U.S. forces in the region.

The principal contractor for this weapons sale will be the Boeing Company, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.