Hanwha Techwin wins $204mn contract to supply KF-X engine parts

Hanwha Techwin will localize parts of the engine for Korea's next-generation fighter jets

By: Wording OD

According to Yonhap news agency, Hanwha Techwin, a South Korea's defense manufacturer, said Monday that it has signed a parts supply deal worth $204 million with Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI), the country's sole aircraft manufacturer. The deal is designed to localize parts of the engine for Korea's next-generation fighter jets, Hanwha Techwin said in a regulatory filing. 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. KAI said Hanwha Techwin is set to import GE engines and localize some of them, and assemble the engines before delivering them to the South Korean government for the project.

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. Hanwha Group took over Samsung Techwin, the defense manufacturing unit of Samsung Group, and renamed it Hanwha Techwin last year.

SOURCE: airrecognition.com