Hanwha Aerospace and GE Aerospace to develop naval gas turbine packages

October 22, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

Hanwha Aerospace and GE Aerospace have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to cooperate on the joint development of marine gas turbine packages.

The MoU was signed on October 20, 2025, at the Seoul International Aerospace and Defense Exhibition (ADEX) in the presence of key officials. The companies want to strengthen industrial collaboration between Korea and the United States in the naval propulsion sector.

The agreement outlines a plan to develop LM2500 and LM500 gas turbine packages in Korea jointly. Under the partnership, GE Aerospace will supply the core gas turbine engines and provide technical support, while Hanwha Aerospace will take the lead in developing and producing key package components, including base design, air intake and exhaust systems, and integrated assemblies.

The initiative will open up new opportunities in Korean, U.S., and other naval programs, and it is expected to strengthen the global maritime defense supply chain.

“This partnership will strengthen the resilience and competitiveness of naval propulsion supply chain in both countries,” said Sun Kim, Head of the Aviation Business Division, Hanwha Aerospace.

“Hanwha is committed to advancing Korea’s role as a key partner in next-generation shipbuilding and defense innovation.”

“GE Aerospace is proud to be a long-standing partner to Korea, supporting the advancement of K-Defense. This collaboration marks an important milestone in further expanding our cooperation with partners like Hanwha Aerospace and reinforcing our continued commitment to Korea,” Rita Flaherty, Vice President of Sales and Business Development for GE Aerospace Defense & Systems, stated.

GE Aerospace recently teamed up with MTU Aero Engines to work on industrial gas turbines. The partnership builds on their existing relationship in marine services and the field of aircraft propulsion.