GE Aviation's F414 engine selected to power South Korea's KF-X fighter jet

On May 26, South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) selected GE Aviation as the preferred bidder to supply F414 engines for its next-generation indigenous fighter, known as the KF-X.

In a statement, DAPA said GE Aviation scored highest in all four main criteria for the contract: technology, costs, localization and management. The F414-GE-400-powered KF-X will deliver significantly greater mission capability, extended combat radius and longer lifespan compared to current aircraft.

“GE is pleased to be selected as the preferred engine partner for KF-X,” said Jean Lydon-Rodgers, vice president and general manager of GE Aviation's Military Systems Operation. “Securing this advanced aircraft application feeds into the F414's already-vast experience powering United States and international militaries, creating opportunities for greater F414 technology enhancements throughout the life of the program.”

The multi-role KF-X aircraft will be designed and built by Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd (KAI), which partners with Lockheed Martin Corp. to develop the $7.4 billion project. The KF-X aircraft will replace Korea's F-4D/E Phantom II and F-5E/F Tiger II fleet. The development program is scheduled to be completed in 2026, which includes the production of six prototype fighters by 2021. During the production phase, 120 KF-X aircraft are slated for production serving the South Korean and Indonesian armed forces, helping extend planned F414 engine production through 2032.

The F414 engine continues to be enthusiastically received throughout the global defense community. In addition to the Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, variants of the F414 engine have been selected to power the Mk2 version of the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft in India and the Saab Gripen E aircraft.