The U.S. State Department has approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to the Republic of Korea for additional GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bomb I (SDB-I) precision-guided munitions, valued at an estimated $111.8 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has formally notified Congress of the certification.
South Korea’s request is for an additional 624 GBU-39/B bombs, which will augment a previously established FMS case. The original case, valued at $18.8 million and below the congressional notification threshold, included 387 of the same bombs along with associated support elements such as aircraft components, spare parts, explosive charges, and contractor logistics services. The new, consolidated estimated total for the program is $111.8 million.
According to the DSCA notification, this proposed sale advances U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by bolstering the defense capabilities of a key regional ally. It is intended to help South Korea counter current and future threats, enhance its air-to-ground capabilities, and ensure continued interoperability with U.S. military forces. The Republic of Korea already operates the GBU-39/B system and will face no difficulty integrating these additional munitions and support.
The principal contractor for this potential sale is The Boeing Company, based in Arlington, Virginia. The U.S. government stated it is currently unaware of any offset agreements associated with the sale, noting that any such agreements would be determined through direct negotiations between South Korea and the contractor.
The notification further clarified that the sale will not require the assignment of additional U.S. government or contractor personnel to South Korea, will not alter the fundamental military balance in the region, and will have no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness.
The stated dollar value and quantities represent the highest estimates based on initial requirements. The final cost and numbers may be lower depending on final negotiations, budget approvals, and the terms of any signed sales agreement.
