The U.S. Department of State has approved a sale of E-7 Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft to South Korea worth $4.92 billion (approximately 6.7 trillion KRW).
The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) under the U.S. Department of Defense announced on the 4th (local time) through a press release that the U.S. Department of State has approved a Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contract to provide South Korea with E-7 AEW&C aircraft along with related supplies and program support elements. DSCA explained that South Korea has requested to purchase four E-7 AEW&C aircraft.
DSCA evaluated this sale as "supporting U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening the security of a key ally, which is a driving force for political stability and economic progress in the Indo-Pacific region." It emphasized that "by enhancing South Korea's intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) and airborne early warning and control capabilities, it will strengthen the ability to respond to current and future threats."
DSCA plans to submit related documents regarding this contract to the U.S. Congress for review within the day. U.S. arms sales are finalized after negotiations between the Department of Defense and defense contractors with the importing country, followed by approvals from the Department of State and Congress.
The Republic of Korea Air Force began operating the first Peace Eye aircraft in September 2011 and currently operates a total of four E-7 AEW&C aircraft, with plans to procure additional units.
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