SOURCE: AFI
In a potential game-changer for the global aerospace industry, Hanwha Aerospace, a leading South Korean defense contractor, has extended an olive branch to international partners for the co-development of a new jet engine. This engine is envisioned to power the upcoming KF-21 Block III fighter jet and would generate a thrust of approximately 106-115kN as per Company studies.
Won-Wook Kim, head of the advanced aero engine business unit at Hanwha Aerospace, has expressed keen interest in a 50-50 partnership for this ambitious project. Notably, the targeted thrust of the engine aligns closely with India’s requirements for its fifth-generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) program.
The proposed engine’s dimensions are expected to be similar to the F-414 engine, currently slated for both the KF-21 Block I and II and the AMCA MkI variants. This potential standardization could streamline development and production processes.
While India’s Interests in participation in such a joint venture has not been deliberated, the prospect of collaborating with South Korea on a critical aerospace project could be a intriguing prospect. Both nations face similar challenges in developing advanced jet engines and could benefit significantly from pooling resources and expertise.
This development could marks a significant step towards potential Indo-South Korean defense cooperation and could reshape the global aerospace landscape.