Hanwha Aero Signs First Mass Production Engine Supply Contract for KF-21

Defense Acquisition Program Administration and KRW 556.2 Billion Scale

Hanwha Aerospace has signed a contract with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) to supply the first mass-produced engines for the Korean fighter jet KF-21, worth 556.2 billion KRW.

According to Hanwha Aerospace on the 25th, the contract period is from June 2024 to December 2027. Hanwha Aerospace will deliver about 40 F414 engines and spare modules installed on the KF-21, and will also provide follow-up logistics support such as engine maintenance manuals and on-site technical support.

Model of the F414 engine installed on the KF-21. / Provided by Hanwha Aerospace Hanwha Aerospace is supplying KF-21 engines without delay based on its technology that has produced over 10,000 engines in 45 years, and is securing technological capabilities and building an industrial ecosystem to enable the installation of advanced aircraft engines developed with South Korea’s own technology.

Since 1979, starting with the Air Force F-4 fighter jet, Hanwha Aerospace has supplied engines for our military’s fighter jets such as the KF-5, KF-16, F-15K, and T-50 through overseas license production. The F414 engine installed on the KF-21 is also produced at the Changwon Plant 1 using a license from the global aerospace engine company GE Aerospace.

A Hanwha Aerospace official said, “With the responsibility and mission as South Korea’s only specialized aircraft engine company, we will supply engines of perfect quality without delay and mobilize all our capabilities for the development of independent aircraft engines to secure autonomous defense and South Korea’s future growth engines.”