South Korea commits W3.4tn to develop 24,000 lb‑thrust indigenous turbofan for KF-21 Block 3

South Korea has approved a W3.4 trillion (about $3.4 billion) Advanced Aviation Engine Development Project to build an indigenous turbofan producing 16,000 lb military thrust and 24,000 lb with afterburner. The 14‑year programme, running 2027–2040, targets the KF‑21 Block 3.

Discovered 2025-12-23T11:57:17.125142-08:00 | 2025-12-23T11:57:17.125142-08:00

Briefing

What Hype is tracking

South Korea is committing scale and time: W3.4 trillion (~$3.4bn) over 2027–2040 to field a 16,000 lb military / 24,000 lb afterburner turbofan for the KF‑21 Block 3, a material capability and budgetary commitment.
Indigenous propulsion reduces dependence on foreign suppliers and supports exportability — linked to KAI's ongoing push to secure the KF‑21's first international sale (https://hype.aero/?story=c8e0fbe6-bf26-4c04-9494-61b8160d64c2) and the vulnerability shown when external engine licences are blocked (https://hype.aero/?story=df60fd09-8676-4ae7-8404-31c8e56f26de).
The programme will create long‑term industrial, MRO and supplier opportunities and reshape regional propulsion markets; see recent aftermarket and MRO moves such as Delta TechOps' entry into LEAP‑1B service with Korean Air (https://hype.aero/?story=e99acdac-31ca-46d3-9199-d0eea3cf221d).

Reported By

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