Héroux-Devtek Inc., a leading international manufacturer of aerospace products, today announced that it has signed a Memorandum of Agreement ("MOA") with Hanwha Corporation ("Hanwha") of the Republic of Korea ("South Korea") for the Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase of the KF-X fighter aircraft. The MOA combines Héroux-Devtek's expertise in the design, development, manufacturing and support of landing gear systems with Hanwha's specific knowledge, capabilities and experience in component manufacturing and hydraulic equipment in South Korea.

Under the terms of the MOA, Héroux-Devtek will engage in the design and development phase to jointly develop the landing gear system with Hanwha. Engineering, testing and qualification will be performed at the Corporation's engineering facilities located in Runcorn, UK and St-Hubert, Québec. Engineering work is expected to begin shortly and should be carried out over several years.

The South Korean government has contracted Korea Aerospace Industry ("KAI") to develop the KF-X, a 4.5th generation fighter, while Héroux-Devtek and Hanwha have been selected to develop the aircraft's landing gear system for KAI. Based on current program expectations, mass production should start in 2023 and the first production aircraft should be delivered in 2026 with 120 fighters expected to be produced by 2032.

"Héroux-Devtek is proud to expand its global reach in the landing gear market by collaborating on a new program and joining forces with Hanwha, one of South Korea's leading aerospace systems manufacturers. We have a strong engineering team and this MOA recognizes our leading, world-class capabilities in the design and development of landing gear systems for various types of aircraft. It also allows us to maintain a well-diversified defence portfolio through a combination of engineering work, new component manufacturing, as well as the provision of aftermarket products and services," said Gilles Labbé, President and Chief Executive Officer of Héroux-Devtek.