US Approves $356M Communications Equipment Sales to South Korea and Belgium
The US State Department has approved more than $350 million in communications equipment sales to South Korea and Belgium, signaling a push to tighten secure battlefield connectivity among key allies.
Washington cleared a possible $200-million foreign military sale (FMS) to South Korea for secure airborne communications alongside a $156.1-million package for Belgium focused on tactical radios and encryption systems.
For Seoul, the package centers on ARC-210 secure radios and KY-100M communication security devices, to be installed across a wide mix of aircraft, including fighter jets, transport planes, and helicopters.
The platforms range from F-15K fighters to CH-47 and UH-60 helicopters, reflecting a broad effort to standardize secure communications across the fleet.
The systems are designed to provide secure SATURN communications, a NATO-standard waveform that enables jam-resistant, encrypted voice links. Collins Aerospace will serve as the principal contractor.
Washington said the sale is intended to strengthen South Korea’s ability to respond to current and future threats while maintaining interoperability with allied forces in the Indo-Pacific.
Meanwhile, Belgium’s package expands on earlier purchases and brings total communications-related acquisitions to over $150 million.
The deal includes AN/PRC-series radios, tactical key loaders, and associated accessories, with L3Harris Technologies as the main supplier.
Unlike South Korea’s air-focused upgrade, Belgium’s acquisition targets ground forces, enabling secure communications over extended distances while reducing the risk of interception.
The sale also supports interoperability within NATO operations.
Defense Communications Deals
Recent US foreign military sales show a consistent emphasis on upgrading allied communications and networked capabilities.
In February 2024, Washington cleared a $75-million sale to Taiwan covering Advanced Tactical Data Link upgrades and related communications gear. The equipment aims to improve secure information flow and interoperability for Taiwan’s armed forces.
The State Department approved a proposed $1.42-billion FMS to the Netherlands for radio equipment in October 2024, including a range of tactical and wideband radios, key loaders, network encryptors, and support services to enhance secure communications among Dutch forces.
By May 2025, the US cleared a $181-million sale to the Czech Republic for tactical radios, secure data links, and key loaders to modernize its communications infrastructure and improve NATO interoperability.
In January this year, the US approved a $110-million FMS to Iraq to expand the country’s military satellite communications network. The package included Very Small Aperture Terminals, modems, hubs, and tactical satellite equipment to strengthen secure command and control capabilities.
