Hanwha Aerospace Takes on Advanced UAV Engine Challenge

Goal: Develop Engine for Next-Generation Medium-Altitude UAVs
Pursuing Independent Development of Advanced Aircraft Engines After UAVs

Hanwha Aerospace is launching a lineup of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) engines developed with its own technology. By localizing UAV engine technology, which is subject to restrictions on foreign technology transfer, Hanwha Aerospace plans to proactively secure core technologies essential for self-reliant national defense and exports.

On July 1, Hanwha Aerospace announced that it had signed a contract for the development project of "Prototype Development and Engine Certification Demonstration Technology for Propeller-Driven Aircraft Engines," overseen by the Agency for Defense Development. The project aims to develop a 1,400-horsepower turboprop engine prototype with domestic technology for installation on next-generation medium-altitude UAVs (MUAV) by 2028. The company also plans to develop engine quality certification and demonstration technology at the initial flight release (IFR) level in the future.

UAV engines are subject to international regulations such as the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR), International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and Export License (EL), which restrict cross-border transactions and technology transfers. Securing proprietary UAV engine technology would enable its application to manned fighter and civil aircraft engine development, as well as allow performance upgrades, maintenance, and exports without international sanctions.

Recently, Hanwha Aerospace signed an additional contract with the Defense Acquisition Program Administration worth 623.2 billion KRW to supply more engines for the KF-21 fighter jet. This follows the first contract last year, which was worth 556.2 billion KRW. With these agreements, the total value of engine contracts for the initial mass production of the KF-21 amounts to approximately 1.1794 trillion KRW.

Through this contract, Hanwha Aerospace will deliver about 80 F414 engines by 2028 and will also provide follow-up logistics support. The F414 engine, which features high-temperature-resistant materials and lightweight technology, is a high-performance engine for fighter jets and plays a key role in enabling the KF-21 to achieve high-speed maneuverability and battlefield adaptability.

In line with the government's mid- to long-term plans, the company is also preparing to domestically develop an advanced aircraft engine with 16,000 pounds of thrust (24,000 pounds with afterburner) for installation on the Republic of Korea Air Force's next-generation fighter jets. Based on its experience in independently developing 11 types of engines, including the KF-21 aircraft engine, Hanwha Aerospace is also pursuing the independent development of domestically produced fighter jet engines.

A Hanwha Aerospace representative stated, "Leveraging our unique capabilities and experience in design, manufacturing, certification, and MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) for the entire aircraft engine lifecycle, we will independently develop a variety of UAV engines and contribute to self-reliant national defense and defense exports."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.