The Mk 15 Phalanx close-in weapon system. South Korea is looking to procure between two and six units of the weapon system, subject to US approval. (US Navy)
The South Korean government has raised a request to Washington, seeking to procure two Mk 15 Phalanx Block 1B Baseline 2 close-in weapon system (CIWS) units.
The estimated contract value of this procurement, which includes 4,000 rounds of 20 mm ammunition, spare parts, and technical support, will be about USD39 million according to details published in a US congressional record for 31 January.
In addition to this request, Seoul may also procure up to four additional Phalanx CIWS units. The potential procurement of these additional units will bring the total procurement value to USD129 million, the record further noted.
Details of the proposed sales were recorded as part of updates made to the chairman of the US Senate Committee on Foreign Relations, in compliance with Washington's arms export controls.
โThe proposed sale will improve Republic of Korea's capability to meet current and future threats by being able to defeat anti-ship missiles and close-in threats that have pierced other lines of defence,โ read the record.
โThis proposed sale will support the foreign policy goals and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a major non-NATO ally that is a force for political stability and economic progress in the Pacific region,โ the record added.
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