Hanwha Aerospace has secured a significant contract for the provision of propulsion systems for South Korea’s KF-21 Boramae fifth-generation combat aircraft. Valued at 623.2 billion won, equivalent to approximately $460.7 million, this agreement entails the delivery of 80 General Electric F414 engines that will be manufactured domestically under license by the Changwon-based company.
The contract also encompasses logistics support, sustainment partnerships, and on-site assistance, with Hanwha slated to deliver the engines to Seoul’s defense material acquisition agency by December 2028, as reported by Yonhap News Agency. This latest development contributes to South Korea’s substantial investment in the KF-21’s propulsion system, now totaling 1.18 trillion won ($872.7 million), and is part of a broader effort to equip over 60 jets with these advanced engines.
Hanwha expressed confidence in their capabilities, stating, “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 defense.”
The KF-21 program was launched in 2015 with the aim of replacing the aging military fleets of F-4 Phantom II and F-5 Freedom Fighter/Tiger II aircraft with a domestically produced alternative. In collaboration with Korea Aerospace Industries, the South Korean government aims to manufacture up to 120 KF-21 Boramae fighters by the early 2030s. The first phase of production is expected to start in 2024, with the delivery of an initial batch of around 20 jets planned between 2026 and 2027.
The specifications of the KF-21 include a length of 17 meters (57 feet) and a wingspan of 11 meters (36 feet). It has an empty weight of 11,800 kilograms (26,015 pounds), a payload capacity of 7,700 kilograms (16,976 pounds), and a fuel capacity of 6,000 kilograms (13,228 pounds). The aircraft can be armed with various munitions, including a rotary autocannon, multi-domain missiles, precision bombs, and unguided missiles.
Powered by two F414 engines, the KF-21 boasts an impressive combined output of 110,000 horsepower, allowing it to reach a flight speed of Mach 1.8 (2,223 kilometers or 1,381 miles per hour), a range of 1,500 nautical miles (approximately 2,778 kilometers or 1,726 miles), and an operational altitude of up to 16,700 meters (54,790 feet). This advancement highlights South Korea’s commitment to enhancing its military aviation technologies and fortifying its national defense capabilities.
