The US State Department on the 21st approved the sale of $125 million in AIM-9X Sidewinder air-to-air missiles and related equipment to South Korea. Seoul requested 103 AIM-9X Block II tactical missiles, 10 tactical guidance units for the missile type, and associated parts and services. The statement said the sale will boost South Korea’s air-defense and deterrence capabilities, ensure interoperability with US forces and help Seoul address current and future threats.