SINGAPORE — GE Aerospace has confirmed that its LM2500+G4 marine gas turbine engine will serve as the primary propulsion powerplant for a new class of destroyers under construction for the Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN).
According to a Tuesday press release, the company will deliver 12 LM2500+G4 engines to equip six KDDX-class vessels. The financial details of the agreement were not disclosed, and South Korea’s defense ministry has not yet responded to inquiries from Breaking Defense.
GE’s statement highlighted that the engine’s compatibility with the KDDX’s full electric propulsion architecture will provide enhanced operational flexibility, superior fuel efficiency, ample capacity for future upgrades, and improved survivability through built-in redundancy. The LM2500+G4 is engineered to meet the substantial power requirements of the next-generation warship.
Asha Belarski, vice president and general manager of GE Aerospace’s marine engines and systems division, emphasized that the shift toward a fully electric propulsion system represents the future of naval engineering.
“We are honored to contribute to this program, which incorporates the latest innovations in shipbuilding technology. The selection of our LM2500+G4 reinforces our strong partnerships in Korea and underscores our commitment to local manufacturing,” Belarski stated.
GE also noted that the RoKN has now acquired a total of 163 GE Aerospace marine gas turbines for 95 vessels. As part of the agreement, Hanwha Aerospace, GE’s long-standing South Korean partner, will locally manufacture key engine components while also handling final assembly, testing, and lifecycle service support.
Hanwha’s shipbuilding division was previously named the preferred bidder for the KDDX program. In early July, Hanwha Ocean announced that it had been selected by South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) over a competing bid from Hyundai Heavy Industries.
The company indicated that contract terms with the South Korean government are still under negotiation. Once finalized, the agreement will task Hanwha Ocean with executing the detailed design and construction of the lead vessel in the class.
Each KDDX-class destroyer is projected to displace approximately 7,000 tons, with the overall program estimated at 7.8 trillion won (roughly $5.75 billion).
