UK officials are lobbying South Korea to switch its next-generation fighter jet engine partner from GE Aerospace to Rolls-Royce, citing co-production advantages and faster timelines as Seoul confronts U.S. export restrictions that are hindering arms sales abroad.

South Korea Eyes Engine Independence Amid U.S. Friction

South Korea’s KF-21 Boramae program, currently using GE-licensed engines via Hanwha Aerospace, faces hurdles selling to nations like the UAE and Indonesia due to U.S. security controls. Seoul is now weighing domestic options through Hanwha and Doosan, but questions remain about their readiness for next-gen production by the mid-2030s.

The UK has positioned Rolls-Royce as a co-development partner to mitigate these risks. “This is not about simply selling engines,” said a British official. “It’s about developing a new engine together.”

Strategic Industrial Partnerships Expand

Rolls-Royce already supplies engines for South Korea’s naval fleet, and British defense firms are increasingly linked to the KF-21 platform: the ejector seat is produced by Martin-Baker, and MBDA supplies its missile systems. Talks are also ongoing between Hanwha and BAE Systems to co-build munitions factories in the UK.

These initiatives align with the UK’s new Strategic Defence Review, which emphasizes “always-on” munitions production and diversified supply chains post-Ukraine war.

U.S. Ties Complicate the Equation

Despite British lobbying, South Korea’s longstanding alliance with the U.S. remains a key factor. Hanwha is pursuing contracts with the U.S. Navy and Air Force in parallel, and GE has expressed continued interest in the KF-21 program, highlighting its 60-year defense partnership with Seoul.

South Korea’s defense acquisition agency said no final decision has been made regarding foreign co-development partners.