In a surprise conclusion to its stand-off weapon competition, South Korea is to purchase both the Rockwell AGM-130 and Lockheed Martin/Rafael AGM-142 air-to-surface missiles to equip its McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom fighter-bombers.
The procurement, worth $250 million, represents South Korea's first purchase of the weapons, which will enhance the Phantom's air-to-ground capability. The deal is the first export sale of the AGM-130 and the second for the AGM-142. The initial purchase covers 116 of each of the missiles.
The move to buy both weapons comes as a surprise, because the Seoul Government had been expected to purchase one missile or the other. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) recently snubbed the AGM-130 in favour of the AGM-142. The RAAF will arm its General Dynamics F-111Cs with the AGM-142.
Source: Flight International
