The new deal follows a previous engine supply contract worth 556.2 billion won signed in 2023. Combined, both contracts amount to a total value of 1.18 trillion won.
Under the latest agreement, Hanwha Aerospace will supply 80 F414 engines for the first mass-produced batch of KF-21 jets by December 2028. The contract also includes logistics support, such as maintenance parts, technical manuals and on-site technical assistance.
Hanwha Aerospace has been a longstanding contributor to South Korea’s military aviation sector. Since 1979, it has manufactured over 10,000 engines for aircraft such as the KF-5, KF-16 and F-15K.
To strengthen its engine production capabilities, the company has invested 40 billion won in constructing a smart factory dedicated to jet engines. “With our advanced aviation engine technology, we will ensure timely delivery of KF-21 engines and continue to contribute to the development of next-generation propulsion systems for national defence,” the company stated.
South Korea began developing the KF-21 in 2015 to replace its ageing F-4 and F-5 fighters. The deployment of the new aircraft is planned to begin by 2028.
