What is the final piece of the K-defense puzzle? Advanced sensors, artificial intelligence (AI), and stealth technology are all important, but the true core is ultimately the aircraft engine, which can be called the heart of the manned-unmanned combined combat system. How far, how long, and how nimbly a fighter jet or reconnaissance aircraft can fly all depends on engine performance.
Aircraft engine development is not merely a matter of technology but a core element of national security. Relying on foreign engines means one cannot be free from technology control, price pressure, and supply chain instability. This was revealed in cases such as the recent setback in the export of Sweden's Saab "JAS 39 Gripen" fighter, equipped with a U.S.-made engine, when the U.S. State Department refused export approval.
The Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) recognized this fact long ago and has steadily devoted efforts to independently develop engines, starting with small-class engines for unmanned aircraft and progressing to large-class engines for manned fighters. Representative examples of unmanned aircraft engines are the 5,500-pound-class turbofan engine and the 1,400-horsepower-class turboprop engine.
Led by the Agency for Defense Development and Hanwha Aerospace, development has proceeded since 2019 and 2021, respectively. At last, on July 7, 2026, we will unveil the first fruit, the prototype engines, before the public.
The 5,500-pound-class turbofan engine will serve as the foundation for unmanned combat aircraft to break through enemy air defense networks at high speed and high altitude. It is under development for application to collaborative combat aircraft that will perform missions in support of manned fighters.
The 1,400-horsepower-class turboprop engine is specialized for long-duration reconnaissance and surveillance missions. Designed to secure long flight endurance while operating smoothly in various operational environments, it will be discussed with the requiring military services so that it can be applied when reconnaissance drones are developed through domestic research and development in the future.
The core of aircraft engine development lies in the field of materials, parts, and equipment, such as heat-resistant materials and parts machining capable of withstanding high-temperature and high-pressure environments, but domestic industrial conditions are poor. That the prototype engines have been rolled out amid such barren conditions across related industries is highly encouraging.
The prototype engines must now clear numerous gates one by one, including ground performance tests, durability evaluations, harsh environment tests, and verification of actual flight suitability. DAPA is steadily preparing to move on to the follow-up test and development stage without any setbacks.
Above all, we plan to thoroughly verify flight safety as the top priority. To this end, we will spare no budget and policy support needed.
Based on the domestic technology accumulated through unmanned aircraft engine development, we now intend to accelerate the development of advanced aircraft engines for application to next-generation fighters. The KF-21 Boramae fighter, whose mass production has now begun, is equipped with a foreign engine, but we plan to develop a domestic engine by 2041 with the goal of applying it starting with next-generation fighters.
To this end, together with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy and the Korea AeroSpace Administration, we have established a government-wide advanced aircraft engine development plan, and we are pursuing it step by step, starting with development of some core technologies in 2026 and heading toward the launch of the main project in 2028.
On the export front, if we localize the core technology of aerial weapons systems, following the ground weapons systems and missile fields already recognized worldwide, K-defense is expected to leap further as a true comprehensive security solutions provider.
It also holds great significance for the industrial ecosystem. Developing aircraft engines requires the capabilities of numerous small and medium-sized enterprises, such as high heat-resistant materials and precision machining, to come together. If large companies and small and medium-sized enterprises cooperate closely from the early stages of development, we can strengthen the defense industry supply chain and further create a virtuous cycle in which technology is transferred to the civil aviation sector.
In the aircraft engine domain where we had no choice but to rely on foreign technology, the persistence of our engineers and the government's bold investment are beginning to bear fruit. This is an important step beyond mere weapons development, one to expand the nation's strategic sovereignty and become a global defense innovation hub.
We ask for the warm interest and support of the public for the future of domestic aircraft engines, which our military, industry, and research institutions will build together with one mind. Until the day the Republic of Korea leaps to become one of the world's four major defense powers, DAPA and the Agency for Defense Development will join forces with industry and do their utmost.
