Hanwha Aerospace (Hanwha) has signed a new agreement with GE Aerospace to purchase more T700 and F404 engine kits. These engines will power Korea Aerospace Industries’ Surion helicopter and the T-50, TA-50, and FA-50 Golden Eagle jet trainers and light attack aircraft.
Under the deal, Hanwha will receive 88 T700 kits and 40 F404 kits. GE Aerospace will manufacture the hardware, while Hanwha will assemble and test the engines in Korea.
Rita Flaherty, Vice President at GE Aerospace’s Defence & Systems division, said the company remains committed to supporting Korea’s domestic aircraft programmes. She noted that this order reinforces the long-standing partnership between GE and Hanwha and expressed confidence in continued cooperation for decades to come.
Hanwha Aerospace President Sun Kim added that the company has built strong technical expertise in Korea’s defence sector. It already produces engines for the KF-21 fighter, the T-50 trainer, and the KUH Surion helicopter. The latest order, he said, will deepen collaboration with GE Aerospace and help advance Korea’s defence capability and global competitiveness.
The T700 engine, proven in the world’s toughest conditions, is widely used in both military and civilian aircraft. More than 25,000 have been delivered, with over 100 million flight hours recorded. The T700-701K, which powers Korea’s Surion helicopter, is the first rear-drive model in the T700 family.
This agreement strengthens Korea’s drive for greater self-reliance in aerospace production. It also supports Hanwha’s goal of positioning itself as a key global player in military engine manufacturing.
