SEOUL, June 27 (AJP) - Hanwha Aerospace announced on Jun. 26 that it has signed an additional contract worth 623.2 billion won ($458 million) with South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) to supply engines for South Korea’s next-generation KF-21 “Boramae” fighter jet.
This latest deal follows a 556.2 billion won agreement signed in June last year, bringing the total value of engine supply contracts for the first mass-production batch to approximately 1.1794 trillion won.
Under the full-supply agreement, Hanwha will deliver more than 80 engines by December 2028. The contract also includes comprehensive logistics support such as maintenance parts, engine service manuals, and on-site technical assistance for the Republic of Korea Air Force.
The F414 engine, known for its high thrust and compact design, incorporates advanced lightweight and heat-resistant materials that ensure stable performance in extreme operating environments. These technical specifications reflect the engine's critical role in modern air combat, where maximum power-to-weight efficiency and high reliability are essential.
Fighter jet engines are widely regarded as the pinnacle of propulsion engineering, as they must be compact and lightweight, deliver high thrust, and maintain long-term durability and reliability even under extreme thermal stress.
Hanwha Aerospace brings decades of experience to the KF-21 program. Since beginning production of engines for the F-4 Phantom in 1979, the company has manufactured over 10,000 aircraft engines—including models for the KF-5, KF-16, F-15K, and T-50—and developed 11 types of engines in-house.
To support this latest project and future initiatives, Hanwha Aerospace completed a 16,529-square-meter smart aerospace engine facility in April 2025. The new plant integrates IT-based quality control and logistics systems, and was designed not only for F414 production but also to support the future development of South Korea’s indigenous next-generation fighter jet engines.
A company official said, “As Korea’s sole aerospace engine manufacturer, we are committed to delivering the KF-21 engines on schedule and advancing domestic engine technology to support national defense self-reliance.”
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