하늘의 방패를 강화하다: 美, 한국에 최신예 ‘암람’ 미사일 70기 판매 승인 > 뉴스

The Foreign Military Sales (FMS) approved this time is a large package worth a total of 292 million dollars, or about 444 billion won in Korean money. Starting with the core items of 70 AIM-120C-8 missiles and 2 guidance sections, it includes missile containers, precision control devices, various support equipment and spare parts essential for tactical operations. In particular, this contract goes beyond simple hardware introduction and includes confidential software updates and technical and logistics support services, ensuring perfect integration with the main fighter aircraft operated by our Air Force. As the main contractor, RTX (formerly Raytheon), provided systematic support under the guarantee of the U.S. government, our military was able to secure the highest level of aerial interception power.

AIM-120C-8 AMRAAM is the latest version with dramatically improved guidance performance and range compared to the existing model C-7, and is a weapon system that maximizes beyond visual range (BVR) engagement capabilities. This missile, which has a maximum range of approximately 120km, is mounted on the Air Force's core combat aircraft, including the F-35A stealth fighter, F-15K, and KF-16, and serves as a powerful 'aerial strike window' to suppress enemy aircraft from a long distance. In a reality where complex security threats are increasing, such as the strengthening of long-range air-to-air missile capabilities by neighboring countries and frequent joint patrol flights, this introduction is expected to make a key contribution to the Korean Air Force's ability to effectively suppress aerial provocations by neighboring countries and secure overwhelming air superiority in the event of an emergency.

The U.S. State Department and defense authorities clearly stated that the reason behind the approval of this sale was to strengthen the security of key allies for political stability and economic development in the Indo-Pacific region. The United States explained that this decision will deter acts of aggression in the region, increase interoperability with the U.S. military, and strengthen our posture to jointly respond to current and potential future threats. He also emphasized that the transaction would not upset the basic military balance in the region or negatively impact U.S. defense readiness, making it clear that the sale was a security cooperation of a strictly defensive nature. This is a result of the strategic consensus between the two countries to increase the precision of joint ROK-US air operations and build practical deterrence.

Meanwhile, North Korea immediately reacted to the news of the introduction of this weapon and showed caution. North Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs defined this transaction as a 'provocative move to increase military force' and issued a threatening message that it would strengthen self-defense deterrence, claiming that military collusion between South Korea and the United States was driving tensions to the extreme. However, despite North Korea's opposition, the general consensus is that strengthening South Korea's military capabilities is an essential defense measure to respond to North Korea's ballistic and cruise missile threats and military pressure from neighboring countries. Experts believe that this introduction will further strengthen the ROK Air Force's air defense capabilities, acting as a practical shield to deter North Korea's reckless provocations and protect the safety of the skies over the Korean Peninsula.