# US defense procurement inquiries by South Korea and Norway

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/us-defense-procurement-inquiries-by-south-korea-and-norway
> Updated: 2026-08-27T06:24:13.000Z. Sources: 26. Developments: 3.

The United States Department of State has approved defense procurement inquiries from South Korea and Norway. 

South Korea is seeking to purchase 103 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II air-to-air guided missiles, a deal valued at up to $125 million. This package includes 10 guidance sets, training equipment, and spare parts. The AIM-9X Block II features integrated data links, allowing for lock-on after launch to facilitate beyond-visual-range combat operations. The sale, conducted through the Foreign Military Sales program, is intended to bolster South Korea’s air defense capabilities and ensure interoperability with U.S. forces in the Indo-Pacific region. The transaction remains subject to U.S. Congressional review, with RTX Corporation as the expected contractor.

Norway has submitted an inquiry to acquire 21 Lockheed Martin UH-60M Black Hawk multi-role helicopters. This potential acquisition is valued at up to $2.3 billion and includes logistical support, training, and spare parts, such as four T700-GE-701D engines.

Following the approval of the missile sale, North Korea condemned the move, with its Foreign Ministry describing the transaction as a “new threat” to its security environment and a sign of persistent U.S. hostility. Pyongyang warned it would deliver a “serious, immediate and powerful response” to these actions. This diplomatic tension occurs amid expressed interest from U.S. President Donald Trump in meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

## Claims

- North Korea condemned the US decision to approve arms sales to South Korea. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- The US approved the potential sale of AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missiles and related equipment to South Korea. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- The value of the proposed missile sale to South Korea is estimated at $125 million. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- North Korea announced it will respond ‘strongly and immediately’ to US actions. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- Donald Trump expressed interest in a new meeting with Kim Jong Un. (corroborated by 12 sources)
- North Korea criticized US plans to fund human rights documentation and information gathering in the country. (corroborated by 12 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-27: North Korea condemns US approval of $125M missile sale to South Korea

North Korea has vowed a “powerful response” to the US approval of a $125 million sale of AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles to South Korea, calling the move a threat to regional security.

19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/north-korea-condemns-us-arms-sale-to-south-korea

### 2026-08-22: United States approves $125 million missile sale to South Korea

The U.S. has approved a $125 million sale of 103 AIM-9X Sidewinder Block II missiles to South Korea to enhance its air defense and regional deterrence.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/united-states-approves-125-million-missile-sale-to-south-korea

### 2026-08-22: South Korea and Norway submit US defense procurement inquiries

The US Department of State approved defense inquiries from South Korea for AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles and Norway for UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/south-korea-and-norway-submit-us-defense-procurement-inquiries

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Cite as: US defense procurement inquiries by South Korea and Norway. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/us-defense-procurement-inquiries-by-south-korea-and-norway