US State Department approves possible arms sale to South Korea

The US State Department said Friday that it had approved a possible sale of AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II tactical missiles and related equipment to South Korea.

The estimated total cost is $125 million, the department said in a statement.

"The proposed sale will help improve the Republic of Korea's capability to meet current and future threats by expanding its air defense capability, deterring aggression in the region, and ensuring interoperability with U.S. Forces," it added.

The principal contractor will be the RTX Corporation located in the US state of Virginia.