South Korea has signed a deal to purchase 111 Lockheed Martin Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) Block 1A missiles under the terms of a $300 million foreign military sales deal with the US Army.
The agreement marks the second purchase by South Korea of the ATACMS and the first export sale of the Block 1A model, which has longer range and a more accurate guidance system.
The army will receive 110 missiles to equip 29 launchers, and a single test missile.
The deal follows the US agreement in March 2001 to allow South Korea to acquire missiles with a maximum range of 300km (190 miles), up from the previous 180km limit under a 1979 accord.
Equipped with the Block 1A ATACMS, Seoul will be capable of striking almostthe whole of North Korea, with which it remains technicallyat war.
The missiles are due for delivery in 2004. Each incorporates an inertial navigation/GPS guidance system and warhead comprising 300 anti-personnel/materiel bomblets.
South Korea purchased Block 1 ATACMS in October 1997. Other overseas customers include Greece, Turkey and Bahrain.
Source: Flight International