Hanwha to supply 80 engines for first mass-produced KF-21s

An extension from has brought the company's total contract value to KRW 1.1794 trillion, including extensive post-sale military support through to 2028.

Hanwha Aerospace has signed an additional contract worth KRW 623.2 billion with South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration to supply engines for the first mass-produced KF-21 (Boramae) fighter jets. This follows a KRW 556.2 billion contract signed in June 2023. Together, the two deals are valued at approximately KRW 1.1794 trillion.

The new agreement includes the supply of around 80 F414 engines by December 2028. It also covers follow-up military support such as maintenance parts, engine manuals, and technical assistance.

The F414 engines use lightweight, heat-resistant materials designed to deliver reliable performance in extreme conditions. Fighter jet engines are known for requiring compactness, lightness, powerful thrust, and high durability.

Hanwha Aerospace has produced over 10,000 engines since 1979, including those for the KF-5, KF-16, F-15K, and T-50. It has also developed 11 engine types in-house.

Earlier this year, Hanwha invested KRW 40 billion in a smart engine factory spanning 16,529 square metres, supporting development of both the F414 and a future independently developed advanced aircraft engine.

A Hanwha Aerospace official said, “Based on Korea’s only aircraft engine technology, we will supply the KF-21 engine without a hitch and do our best to develop advanced aircraft engines for independent national defense.”