US Foreign Military Sales
US government-to-government arms sales programme authorised by the Arms Export Control Act.
South Korea approved 3.24 trillion won on 15 September 2026 for more MH-60R helicopters through US Foreign Military Sales, buying them off the shelf while it develops its next Army reconnaissance drone at home.
Last refreshed: 1 October 2026
Timeline for US Foreign Military Sales
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Drones: Industry & DefenceBackground
Foreign Military Sales is the route, authorised by the Arms Export Control Act, through which foreign governments buy weapons, services and training from the US government rather than from the maker. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency implements each sale, the State Department reviews and approves it, and Congress must be notified of sales above set value thresholds.
The route suits buyers WHO need a proven capability soon. At the same 15 September meeting that sent the MH-60R purchase through Foreign Military Sales, South Korea's arms procurement committee chose a ten-year domestic research programme for its next reconnaissance drone. Seoul imports when it needs a capability quickly and develops at home when it can wait.