GE Aviation has delivered the first F414-GE-400K engine to Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI) for South Korea's next-generation indigenous fighter, known as the KF-X.

Developed for the Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF), the F414-powered KF-X is intended to deliver significantly greater mission capability, extended combat radius and longer lifespan compared to current aircraft. KAI selected GE Aviation in May 2016 to supply the engines.

The multi-role KF-X, a $7.4 billion project, 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 15 F414 flight test engines and six prototype fighters by 2021. Flight testing will occur in 2023. 120 KF-X aircraft are scheduled for production serving the South Korean armed forces, and GE Aviation will provide 240 F414 production engines plus spares.

GE has partnered with South Korea previously: Its F404 engines currently power South Korea's T-50 Golden Eagle, a high-performance supersonic trainer developed with KAI. GE's T700 turboshaft engines power the Korean utility helicopter Surion. Additionally, GE's F110 engines power the ROKAF's F-15K aircraft.

"GE is thrilled to reach this important milestone in the KF-X program," says Al DiLibero, general manager of GE's Medium Combat & Trainer Engines department. "Our success so far on this program reflects the strong relationship between the ROKAF, our South Korean industry partners and GE Aviation, and the long and successful history of our engines powering ROKAF aircraft."

GE's F414 engine went into service in 1998 and has flown more than 4.6 million flight hours with more than 1,750 engines delivered. In addition to the KF-X, the F414 powers Boeing's F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and EA-18G Growler, Saab's JAS 39E/F Gripen, India's Tejas Mark 2, and Lockheed Martin and NASA's X-59 Quiet Supersonic Transport.