Hanwha Aerospace to supply KF-21 fighter jet engines under $401 million deal
More engines have been ordered for KF-21 aircraft. (Photo: Korean Defense Acquisition Program Administration)
The KF-21 Boramae, a fighter aircraft manufactured by Korean Aerospace Industries, resembles the design of the F-35A and was a result of almost US$8 billion invested by South Korea to develop an indigenous fighter.
Hanwha Aerospace has signed a deal with South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration which has been valued at US$401 million to deliver more than 40 engines for the country’s KF-21 fighter aircraft by the end of 2027.
Hanwha Aerospace will deliver F414 engines and spare modules for the KF-21, as well as provide engine maintenance manuals and on-site technical support, along with the supplied engines which will be installed in the first batch of KF-21s.
Announcing the deal, the company said the “contract serves as a stepping stone for Hanwha Aerospace’s plans to develop next-generation engine technologies [and we are] actively pursuing research and development in sixth-generation engine technology.”
The order has marked another major step in the development of the aircraft as it moves towards its entry into service.
Last month, it was announced that an aircraft had fired a guided Diehl BGT Defence’s IRIS-T (IR Imaging System Tail/Thrust Vector-Controlled) short-range air-to-air missile (AIM-2000) for the first time where the missile was designated by the onboard AESA radar and successfully engaged a target UAS.
In March 2024, a KF-21 performed its first aerial refuelling trial with a Republic of Korea Air Force KC-330 tanker aircraft refuelling the KF-21 prototype (Number 5) near the southern coast of the Korean peninsula after the fighter took off from Sacheon.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Baykar completes Piaggio Aerospace takeover with plans to boost drone production]()
Baykar completes Piaggio Aerospace takeover with plans to boost drone production
The takeover of the Italian firm by Baykar solidifies the company’s efforts to forge closer ties with Italian industry, bolsters its partnership with Leonardo to produce UAVs and secures its foothold in Europe.
-
![Leonardo’s Proteus structural tests “nearing completion” ahead of first flight]()
Leonardo’s Proteus structural tests “nearing completion” ahead of first flight
The company has tested over 15 mission sets for the drone, with the rotorcraft used to demonstrate the viability of armed forces utilising large uncrewed aerial systems’ (UAS) for autonomous missions in the future.
-
![Interview: Edge Group eyes Indonesian market for naval and UAV expansion]()
Interview: Edge Group eyes Indonesian market for naval and UAV expansion
The UAE’s Edge Group has been positioning itself as a key defence and technology partner to Indonesia, where it has been focusing on naval platforms, UAVs and long-term industrial collaboration.
