Hanwha Aerospace Secures Deal to Power the KF-21 Fighter with Cutting-Edge Engines
Hanwha Aerospace, the foremost aerospace and defense enterprise in South Korea, declared today that it has finalized a contract with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) for the provision of the initial mass production engines for the KF-21 fighter jet. The contract is valued at approximately USD 401 million (556 billion KRW). The agreement spans from June 2024 to December 2027, during which Hanwha Aerospace is set to supply more than 40 F414 engines along with spare modules for the KF-21, in addition to offering engine maintenance documentation and on-site technical assistance.
The provided engines will be utilized in the inaugural batch of the KF-21, as Hanwha Aerospace is responsible for supplying engines until the conclusion of the KF-21 production cycle, being the nation’s exclusive aircraft engine producer.
With its extensive experience in manufacturing over 10,000 engines over the last 45 years, Hanwha Aerospace is devoted to ensuring timely delivery of the KF-21 engines. The firm is also concentrating on enhancing technical capabilities and constructing an industrial ecosystem that facilitates the installation of advanced aviation engines developed through Korea’s indigenous technology.
Since 1979, Hanwha Aerospace has supplied engines for Korean military aircraft, such as the F-4, KF-5, KF-16, F-15K, and T-50, utilizing overseas licensed production. The F414 engine intended for the KF-21 will be manufactured at the company’s Changwon Plant 1, employing a license from GE Aerospace.
This contract marks a crucial milestone for Hanwha Aerospace’s ambitions to innovate next-generation engine technologies. The organization is proactively engaging in research and development in 6th generation engine technology, positioning itself at the forefront of global aerospace advancement.
A representative from Hanwha Aerospace stated, “As South Korea’s sole specialized aircraft engine manufacturer, we are dedicated to delivering high-quality engines promptly. We will allocate all our resources towards fostering independent aviation engine technology for national security and ensuring future growth prospects for Korea.”
