The Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) said it notified Congress Dec. 21 of a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) to South Korea of four RQ-4 Global Hawk Block 30 unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and associated parts and support worth potentially $1.2 billion.
The possible sale includes four of Northrop Grumman’s [NOC] Block 30s with the Enhanced Integrated Sensor Suite (EISS). The EISS includes infrared/electro-optical, synthetic aperture radar imagery and ground moving target indicator, mission control element, launch and recovery element, a signals intelligence package, an imagery intelligence exploitation system, test equipment, ground support, operational flight test support, communications equipment, spare parts and additional support.
The move is part of a United States effort to have its Pacific allies take a greater role in their own security with budget austerity on the horizon. DSCA said South Korea needs the Block 30 intelligence and surveillance capability to assume primary responsibility for intelligence gathering from the U.S.-led Combined Force Command in 2015. DSCA said the proposed sale would maintain adequate intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities and would ensure the alliance is able to monitor and deter regional threats in 2015 and beyond.
The deal is contingent on Congress’ approval.