Defense & Military
GE Aerospace and South Korea Strengthen 60-Year Defense Partnership
South Korea deepens its aerospace alliance with GE Aerospace, expanding into naval propulsion and advancing local engine production.
For over six decades, the relationship between South Korea and GE Aerospace has served as a cornerstone of the nation’s defense capabilities. What began in the 1950s with the supply of engines for F-86 Sabres has evolved into a sophisticated industrial partnership that underpins South Korea’s rapid ascent as a global aerospace powerhouse. According to a December 2025 release from GE Aerospace, this collaboration has now expanded beyond aviation into naval propulsion, signaling a new era of technological integration.
As of late 2025, South Korea operates the largest fleet of GE military engines outside the United States, with more than 1,500 engines currently in service. This massive install base supports a wide array of platforms, from the indigenous KUH-1 Surion helicopter to the advanced KF-21 Boramae fighter. The partnership, primarily executed through local industry leader Hanwha Aerospace, has shifted from a traditional vendor-client model to a strategic co-development framework, essential for Seoul’s ambitions to secure technological sovereignty.
The trajectory of South Korea’s aerospace industry is defined by its transition from importing hardware to licensing production and, ultimately, developing indigenous systems. GE Aerospace highlights that its collaboration with Hanwha Aerospace is central to this strategy. Hanwha, the nation’s primary gas turbine engine specialist, licenses and produces GE engines domestically, ensuring supply chain security and technical knowledge transfer.
Key pillars of this ongoing collaboration include:
In October 2025, Hanwha Aerospace secured a new contract for additional T700 and F404 engine kits to support continued production of the Surion and T-50, reaffirming the longevity of these programs.
While aviation remains the primary focus, the partnership recently expanded into the maritime domain. During the Seoul ADEX 2025 in October, GE Aerospace and Hanwha Aerospace signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly develop marine gas turbine packages.
According to the company’s statement, this agreement aims to adapt GE’s gas turbine technology for South Korea’s next-generation naval destroyers. This move leverages Hanwha’s manufacturing capabilities to localize naval propulsion systems, mirroring the successful model used in the aviation sector.
“The partnership has evolved from simple hardware supply to deep technological collaboration.”
, GE Aerospace Press Release
Beyond the defense sector, the Commercial-Aircraft landscape in South Korea is also undergoing significant modernization. Korean Air, a key industrial partner, solidified plans in 2025 to introduce Boeing 777-9 and 787-10 aircraft to its fleet. These next-generation widebodies are powered by GE9X and GEnx engines, respectively. Furthermore, Korean Air has adopted GE Aerospace’s “Safety Insight” flight data monitoring system. This technology utilizes advanced analytics to enhance operational safety across the carrier’s fleet, demonstrating that the collaboration extends into software and safety management systems as well as hardware.
While the “Partners in Flight” narrative celebrates a robust alliance, AirPro News notes that South Korea’s long-term strategic goal remains total technological independence. The current relationship with GE Aerospace can be viewed as a vital bridge toward that future.
The South Korean government, through the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA), has announced a roadmap to develop a completely indigenous turbofan engine for fighter jets by the late 2030s. This project, led by Hanwha Aerospace, aims to produce a 15,000 lb-thrust class engine. Achieving this would allow South Korea to export fighter jets without being subject to foreign export control restrictions (such as U.S. ITAR regulations), which currently govern platforms using GE engines.
Additionally, the establishment of the Korea AeroSpace Administration (KASA) in 2024 and the “Space Economy” vision, backed by a projected $70 billion investment by 2045, underscores Seoul’s intent to become a top-5 global space power. Hanwha Aerospace’s designation as the system integrator for the KSLV-III launch vehicle further cements its role as the “SpaceX of Korea,” moving the industry gradually away from reliance on international partners for core technologies.
For now, however, the symbiosis is mutually beneficial: GE Aerospace secures a dominant position in a growing market, while South Korea gains the reliable, high-performance propulsion systems needed to fuel its rapid ascent as a premier arms exporter.
Partnerships in Flight: GE Aerospace and South Korea Deepen 60-Year Alliance
From Assembly to Strategic Autonomy
Expanding Horizons: The Naval Propulsion Deal
Commercial Aviation and Fleet Modernization
AirPro News Analysis: The Drive for Independence
Frequently Asked Questions
Sources
Photo Credit: GE Aerospace – The first prototype of KF-21 Boramae, South Korea’s first indigenous fighter jet, powered by GE Aerospace’s F414
Defense & Military
Embraer Delivers First A-29N Super Tucanos to Portugal and Plans Assembly Line
Embraer delivered five A-29N aircraft to Portugal with plans for a new assembly line to supply Europe. Full operational capability expected by 2027.
This article is based on an official press release from Embraer.
On December 17, 2025, Embraer officially delivered the first five A-29N Super Tucano aircraft to the Portuguese Air Force (Força Aérea Portuguesa, FAP). The handover ceremony took place at the facilities of OGMA (Indústria Aeronáutica de Portugal) in Alverca, marking a significant milestone for the Brazilian aerospace manufacturer as it introduces the NATO-specific “N” variant to the European market.
Alongside the delivery, Embraer and the Portuguese government signed a Letter of Interest (LOI) to explore establishing a final assembly line for the A-29N in Portugal. According to the company, this potential facility would serve as a strategic hub to meet growing demand for the aircraft across Europe.
The delivery of these five aircraft comes just one year and one day after the contract was signed in December 2024. The total order encompasses 12 aircraft with a reported value of approximately €200 million. Embraer noted that the remaining aircraft are scheduled for delivery in the coming years, with Full Operational Capability (FOC) expected by 2027.
The event underscores the deepening industrial ties between Brazil and Portugal. OGMA, which is 65% owned by Embraer, will handle the logistical support, maintenance, and modernization of the fleet. The facility in Alverca already serves as a central hub for Embraer’s KC-390 Millennium transport aircraft program.
In a statement regarding the aircraft’s capabilities, Nuno Melo, Minister of National Defense of Portugal, highlighted the versatility of the new fleet:
“We are not only introducing a new air attack capability… but also addressing potential new scenarios. The Super Tucano now offers the possibility of performing anti-drone missions, demonstrating the flexibility of the aircraft chosen by the Air Force.”
The “N” variant delivered to Portugal represents a specific evolution of the Super Tucano platform designed to meet the interoperability requirements of NATO member states. While the standard Super Tucano is renowned for counter-insurgency and light attack roles, the A-29N includes upgrades essential for the European theater.
Key features of the A-29N configuration include: A major component of the announcement was the signed Letter of Interest regarding a new assembly line. While the delivery took place in Alverca, the proposed assembly line is reportedly being considered for the Beja Air Base. This facility would focus on assembling A-29N aircraft for future export customers in the region.
Bosco da Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, emphasized the strategic logic behind this move:
“There is growing interest in employing the A-29 for counter-UAS missions in Europe, and a potential assembly line in Portugal paves the way for the development of new business and broader cooperation with the Portuguese defense industry.”
The delivery of the A-29N to Portugal signals a shift in European defense procurement strategies. For decades, European air forces have relied heavily on high-performance jet fighters. However, the rising cost of flight hours, often exceeding $20,000 for 4th and 5th-generation jets, has created a market gap for cost-effective alternatives.
We observe that the A-29N, with operating costs estimated around $1,000 per flight hour, offers a financially viable solution for low-intensity missions such as border patrol, basic Close Air Support (CAS), and pilot training. Furthermore, the explicit mention of Counter-UAS (C-UAS) capabilities addresses a critical vulnerability exposed by recent conflicts, such as the war in Ukraine, where slow-moving drones have become a persistent threat that is expensive to counter with high-end missiles.
By establishing an assembly line in Portugal, Embraer is likely positioning itself to compete for contracts with other NATO nations, such as the Netherlands, which require advanced trainers to bridge the gap between basic flight school and complex F-35 operations.
What is the difference between the A-29 and the A-29N? How many aircraft did Portugal order? What role will OGMA play? Sources: Embraer
Embraer Delivers First NATO-Configured A-29N Super Tucanos to Portugal; Eyes New Assembly Line
Rapid Delivery and Strategic Partnership
The A-29N: Tailored for NATO Operations
Potential European Assembly Line
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The A-29N is a variant specifically configured for NATO nations. It includes a NATO-standard datalink, modifications for single-pilot operation, and specific training integrations that differ from the standard export models used in South America or Africa.
The Portuguese Air Force ordered a total of 12 A-29N Super Tucanos. Five were delivered on December 17, 2025.
OGMA, based in Alverca, will provide maintenance, logistics, and engineering support for the fleet. It is also the site where the initial delivery ceremony took place.
Photo Credit: Embraer
Defense & Military
Spain Orders 100 Airbus Helicopters in €4 Billion Deal
Spain signs €4 billion contract with Airbus Helicopters for 100 military aircraft, supporting national defense and industry with Albacete-based production.
This article is based on an official press release from Airbus.
On December 18, 2025, the Spanish Ministry of Defence formalized a historic agreement with Airbus Helicopters to acquire 100 military aircraft. Valued at approximately €4 billion for the manufacturer, with a total program cost estimated at €5.3 billion when including government-furnished equipment, this contract represents the largest helicopter procurement in the history of the Spanish Directorate General for Armament and Material (DGAM).
According to the official announcement, the acquisition is the centerpiece of Spain’s “National Helicopter Plan” (Plan Nacional de Helicópteros). This strategic initiative aims to consolidate the country’s military fleets, streamline logistics, and strengthen the national defense industry. The order encompasses four different helicopter models destined for the Spanish Army, Navy, and Air and Space Force.
Notably, this contract establishes Spain as the launch customer for the military version of the H175M, a significant milestone for Airbus in the super-medium helicopter market.
The contract covers a diverse range of platforms designed to standardize operations across Spain’s armed forces. According to details released regarding the procurement, the order is distributed as follows:
“This contract is a decisive step towards the modernization of our armed forces and the consolidation of our national defense industry.”
, Statement attributed to Ministry of Defence officials in related reporting.
A critical component of the agreement is the industrial return for Spain. Airbus has confirmed that the production and modification of these aircraft will center on its facility in Albacete. The manufacturer states that this contract will secure the plant’s industrial activity for the coming decade and lead to the creation of over 300 direct, highly qualified jobs.
In addition to assembly, the agreement includes the development of new infrastructure in Albacete: According to the schedule outlined in the announcement, deliveries are expected to proceed in phases:
The inclusion of the H175M is perhaps the most strategically significant aspect of this order for Airbus. By securing Spain as a launch customer, Airbus validates the H175M as a credible military platform in the competitive “super-medium” category, where it faces stiff competition from the Leonardo AW149. This domestic endorsement provides a critical reference case for export campaigns.
Furthermore, the “National Helicopter Plan” reflects a broader NATO trend toward fleet rationalization. By reducing the number of airframe types in service, Spain aims to lower long-term maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) costs while simplifying pilot training pipelines, a move that prioritizes operational availability over platform diversity.
Sources: Airbus Press Release
Spain Orders 100 Airbus Helicopters in Historic €4 Billion Deal
Breakdown of the 100-Unit Order
Industrial Impact on Albacete
Delivery Timeline
AirPro News Analysis
Sources
Photo Credit: Airbus
Defense & Military
Airbus Delivers First H160 Helicopter to French Gendarmerie Nationale
Airbus delivers the first H160 helicopter to the French Gendarmerie Nationale to replace older models and enhance law enforcement capabilities.
This article is based on an official press release from Airbus and additional public background data.
On December 16, 2025, Airbus Helicopters officially delivered the first of ten H160 helicopters to the French Gendarmerie Nationale. The handover ceremony took place at the manufacturer’s headquarters in Marignane, France, marking a significant milestone in the modernization of French law enforcement aviation. The aircraft was formally accepted by the French Defence Procurement Agency (DGA) on behalf of the Ministry of Interior.
This delivery initiates the fulfillment of a contract signed in December 2021, valued at approximately €200 million ($226 million). The new fleet is intended to replace aging assets and provide advanced capabilities for high-intensity missions, including counter-terrorism operations led by the elite GIGN (Groupe d’Intervention de la Gendarmerie Nationale).
The newly delivered H160 is configured specifically for law enforcement duties. According to Airbus, this medium-twin helicopter offers a substantial upgrade in range, speed, and payload compared to the legacy fleet. The aircraft is designed to transport up to 12 passengers, a capacity that allows for the deployment of full tactical teams, whereas previous platforms like the AS350 Écureuil were limited to five or six occupants.
Key technical features of the Gendarmerie’s H160 include:
In a statement regarding the delivery, Bruno Even, CEO of Airbus Helicopters, highlighted the collaborative effort behind the program:
“The delivery of the first H160 to the Gendarmerie Nationale is the result of a close cooperation with the Gendarmerie and the DGA, to develop a solution entirely dedicated to the most demanding security missions. This programme is a testament to our commitment to the future of French defence and security, notably with the ongoing development of the H160M Guépard.”
The procurement of the H160 is part of the broader “Plan Aéro” stimulus strategy initiated by the French government in 2020. This initiative aims to support the national aerospace industry while simultaneously upgrading the equipment of security forces. The H160s are primarily tasked with replacing the AS350 Écureuil fleet, which has been in service for over three decades.
This acquisition is closely linked to the H160M Guépard program, under which the French Armed Forces have ordered 169 militarized versions of the H160. By utilizing a common platform across both the Gendarmerie and the military (Army, Navy, and Air Force), the French government aims to secure strategic synergies. These include shared logistics networks, unified maintenance protocols, and standardized training programs, which are expected to lower long-term operating costs and improve interoperability during joint crisis responses.
The delivery of the H160 represents a distinct shift in the operational philosophy of the Gendarmerie Nationale. Moving from the single-engine AS350 to the medium-twin H160 is not merely a replacement; it is a capability leap. The AS350 is a light utility helicopter, while the H160 offers the payload and stability required for heavy tactical insertion. We observe that this transition mirrors a global trend among law enforcement agencies moving toward multi-role twin-engine platforms that can handle heavier equipment loads, such as ballistic shields and advanced surveillance suites, without compromising range or safety. Furthermore, the “Blue Edge” rotor technology addresses growing public sensitivity to noise pollution, allowing the Gendarmerie to operate over densely populated French cities with a reduced acoustic footprint.
Following this initial delivery, the aircraft will undergo a phase of operational integration and crew training. According to project timelines, the H160 is expected to enter full active service by early 2027. The remaining nine units from the 2021 order will be delivered progressively over the coming years.
Sources:
Airbus Delivers First H160 Helicopter to French Gendarmerie Nationale
Operational Capabilities and Configuration
Strategic Modernization and Military Synergy
AirPro News Analysis
Timeline for Entry into Service
Photo Credit: Airbus
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