Hanwha Aerospace, South Korea’s leading aerospace and defence corporation, announced today that it signed a contract with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) to supply the first mass production engines for the KF-21. The contract is valued around US$ 401 million (556 billion KRW). The contract period runs from June 2024 to December 2027, during which Hanwha Aerospace will deliver over 40 F414 engines and spare modules for the KF-21, as well as provide engine maintenance manuals and on-site technical support. The supplied engines will be installed in the first batch of KF-21, as Hanwha Aerospace is obliged to supplying engines until the end of the KF-21 production run as the country’s sole aircraft engine manufacturer.
A Hanwha Aerospace spokesperson said, “As Korea’s only specialised aircraft engine company, we are committed to supplying high-quality engines without delay. We will dedicate all our resources to developing independent aviation engine technology for national defence and securing future growth opportunities for Korea.”
Since 1979, Hanwha Aerospace has supplied engines for Korean military aircraft, including the F-4, KF-5, KF-16, F-15K, and T-50, through overseas license production. The F414 engine for the KF-21 will be produced at the company’s Changwon Plant 1, utilising a license from GE Aerospace. The General Electric F414 is an American afterburning turbofan engine in the 22,000-pound (98 kN) thrust class produced by GE Aerospace (formerly GE Aviation). The F414 originated from GE’s widely used F404 turbofan, enlarged and improved for use in the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. The engine was developed from the F412 turbofan planned for the A-12 Avenger II, before it was canceled.
Drawing on its expertise in producing over 10,000 engines over the past 45 years, Hanwha Aerospace is committed to ensuring the delivery of KF-21 engines on time. The company is also focused on developing technical capabilities and building an industrial ecosystem to enable the installation of advanced aviation engines developed with Korea’s own technology. his contract serves as a stepping stone for Hanwha Aerospace’s plans to develop next-generation engine technologies. The company is actively pursuing research and development in 6th generation engine technology, positioning itself at the forefront of global aerospace innovation.
