Hanwha Aerospace has secured a contract to supply propulsion systems for South Korea’s KF-21 Boramae fifth-generation fighter jet program.
Valued at 623.2 billion Korean won ($460.7 million), the agreement includes the delivery of 80 General Electric F414 engines, which will be produced domestically under license at Hanwha’s Changwon facility. The contract also covers logistics support, maintenance partnerships, and on-site assistance.
Engine deliveries to South Korea’s defense procurement agency are scheduled to be completed by December 2028, according to Yonhap News Agency.
This latest deal raises South Korea’s total investment in KF-21 propulsion systems to 1.18 trillion won ($872.7 million), with more than 60 jets now projected to receive these engines.
Hanwha emphasized its role in advancing domestic aerospace capabilities, stating it is committed to delivering the engines on time and supporting future propulsion technology development for national defense.
Launched in 2015, the KF-21 program is South Korea’s effort to replace its aging F-4 and F-5 fighter fleets with an indigenous solution. The country, working with Korea Aerospace Industries, aims to build up to 120 fighters by the early 2030s, with the first batch of around 20 jets expected between 2026 and 2027.
