Hanwha Aerospace has signed a new supply agreement with GE Aerospace to purchase additional aircraft-engine kits, strengthening South Korea’s defense manufacturing capabilities and extending the firms’ long-standing partnership. The deal covers 88 T700 engine kits and 40 F404 engine kits, with GE producing the core components and Hanwha handling assembly and testing in Korea.
The engines will power two key national programs – the KUH Surion utility helicopter and T-50/TA-50/FA-50 Golden Eagle light-attack and trainer jets. The T700-701K engines will continue to drive the Surion fleet, while the proven F404 engines, which have logged over 13 million flight hours worldwide, will support production of the Golden Eagle series.
Executives from both companies emphasized the deal’s significance for Korea’s aerospace self-reliance. GE Aerospace highlighted its commitment to supporting Korea’s indigenous aircraft programs, while Hanwha said the agreement would boost its role as a key player in the country’s growing defense-industrial base.
The contract marks another step toward deeper industrial collaboration between the U.S. and South Korea, advancing Seoul’s goal of building greater domestic capability in aerospace engine production.
A lifelong aviation enthusiast, Douglas Royce is currently co-editor of four of Forecast International's Market Intelligence Services: Civil Aircraft Forecast, Military Aircraft Forecast, Rotorcraft Forecast, and Aviation Gas Turbine Forecast. As such, he plays a key role in many important projects that involve market sizing and forecasting for various segments of the world aerospace industry, as well as demand for related systems.
