GE Aerospace to Power South Korea's KDDX Destroyers
Twelve LM2500+G4 gas turbines will drive six next-generation Republic of Korea Navy warships in a $5.75 billion program.
By The Defense Desk
GE Aerospace will supply 12 LM2500+G4 marine gas turbine engines to power six KDDX-class destroyers for the Republic of Korea Navy — the first ship in Korean Navy history outfitted with stealth-integrated radar and armed with anti-aircraft missiles and land-attack missiles. [1][2]
That enclosure cuts weight by over 2,500 kg compared to the previous steel enclosure while maintaining the same footprint as the base LM2500 gas turbine, runs 60% quieter, and reduces wall temperatures by 25°F to 50°F. [2]
South Korean conglomerate Hanwha is central to the program on two fronts: Hanwha Aerospace will manufacture engine components locally and handle assembly, testing, and service support, while Hanwha Ocean was chosen by South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration over rival Hyundai as preferred bidder to design and build the lead ship. Contract terms are still being negotiated. [1][2]
The LM2500+G4 — introduced in 2012 and currently powering Italian, French, Egyptian, and Moroccan FREMM frigates as well as the U.S. Navy's Constellation-class program — has a zero-stage high pressure compressor blisk and technical improvements to allow for 33% greater air flow as well as higher firing temperatures while maintaining the same footprint as the base LM2500. The ROK Navy has now procured 163 GE Aerospace marine gas turbines across 95 ships. [2] The entire KDDX program is expected to cost 7.8 trillion won ($5.75 billion). [1]
The deal ties together decades of established industrial partnership with a clear push toward distributed, electrically driven naval architecture — a direction several major navies are quietly converging on.
With the LM2500+G4 also selected to power the U.S. Navy's DDG(X) Land Based Test Site, GE Aerospace's marine engine is becoming the common turbine thread running through the next generation of allied surface combatants. [2]
The transition to full electric propulsion is a step toward the next generation of naval power.Asha Belarski