Seoul has approved a massive investment of $3.4 billion to develop an indigenous fighter jet engine, marking a major step toward strengthening South Korea’s self-reliance in defence technology.
According to the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), the Advanced Aviation Engine Development Project will run from 2027 to 2040 with a total budget of W3.4 trillion. The project aims to produce a next-generation military aircraft engine capable of delivering 16,000lb of military thrust and up to 24,000lb with afterburner, higher than earlier estimates.
DAPA said the programme will include the design and production of a prototype engine, extensive development and certification testing, and preparations for system-mounted flight tests. The engine is expected to be tested on domestically produced fighter aircraft in later stages.
South Korea has long expressed its intention to localise fighter engine technology, which is considered one of the most complex and strategic areas in aerospace defence. Hanwha Aerospace, currently manufacturing foreign fighter engines under licence, will play a leading role in the project.
The indigenous engine is planned to power the Block 3 variant of the KF-21 Boramae fighter, developed by Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI). Officials say the project will significantly reduce dependence on foreign suppliers and enhance the country’s long-term defence capabilities.
Defence analysts view the move as a strategic milestone, positioning South Korea among a small group of nations capable of developing high-performance fighter jet engines independently.
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