The U.S. State Department has approved the potential sale of more than 600 GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs-Increment I (SDB-I) to South Korea for an estimated $112 million, the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) announced on Saturday.
The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of Korea of GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs-Increment I (SDB-I) and related equipment for an estimated cost of $111.8 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress.
This purchase would add to a previous contract under which Seoul acquired 387 SDB-Is and related equipment.
The Republic of Korea has requested to buy an additional six hundred twenty-four (624) GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs (SDB-I) that will be added to a previously implemented case whose value was under the congressional notification threshold.
The proposed sale includes aircraft components, spares, accessories, explosive charges, propellants, and technical support, with Boeing Corporation as the principal contractor.
According to the DSCA, the sale will enhance South Korea’s air defense capability, ensure interoperability with U.S. forces, and support the United States’ foreign policy and national security objectives in the Indo-Pacific region.
The Republic of Korea already operates GBU-39/B SDB-Is and is expected to absorb the new systems with ease. The DSCA emphasized that the sale will not alter the military balance in the region, nor will it affect U.S. defense readiness. No offset agreements are currently proposed, and implementation will not require additional U.S. personnel in South Korea.
