South Korea is enhancing its strike capabilities following US State Department approval of a potential $34-million foreign military sale of AGM-65G2 Maverick tactical missiles manufactured by RTX.
The sale includes 44 missiles along with logistics and program support, intended to expand Seoul’s air-to-ground arsenal.
“This proposed sale will strengthen the Republic of Korea’s ability to address current and future threats by enhancing critical air defense capabilities, deterring regional aggression, and ensuring interoperability with US forces,” the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) stated.
The Maverick transfer forms part of a broader US effort to bolster South Korea’s defenses and deepen security cooperation amid growing regional tensions involving China and North Korea. In September, Washington reactivated a WWII-era squadron to oversee MQ-9 Reaper drone operations and deployed its Indirect Fire Protection Capability (IFPC) mobile air defense system to the peninsula for the first time.
Maverick Missiles
Introduced in 1972, the AGM-65 Maverick is a tactical guided missile for close air support, interdiction, and suppression of enemy defenses, capable of striking armored vehicles, ships, bunkers, and fixed positions.
The requested G2 variant features an imaging infrared guidance system, heavy penetrator warhead, and upgraded software for improved target tracking. Launched from high-altitude aircraft like the F-16 operated by the Republic of Korea Air Force, the missile reaches speeds of 1,150 km/h (715 mph) and a range of approximately 27 km (17 miles).
