ROKN Selects GE Aerospace to Power New KDDX Destroyer

GE Marine will supply LM2500+G4 gas turbines in collaboration with in-country licensed manufacturers

Evendale, Ohio-September 1, 2026-GE Aerospace will supply 12 LM2500+G4 marine gas turbine engines to power six ships of the Republic of Korea Navy's next-generation destroyer project, KDDX. The LM2500+G4's integration with KDDX's full electric propulsion configuration offers the ships superior operational flexibility and fuel economy, power for future growth, and optimal survivability/redundancy. The configuration with the LM2500+G4 will satisfy the power demands of the first ship in Korean Navy history outfitted with stealth-integrated radar and armed with anti-aircraft missiles and land-attack missiles.

"The transition to full electric propulsion is a step toward the next generation of naval power. We are honored to be a part of this project incorporating the latest advancements in shipbuilding. The selection of GE Aerospace's LM2500+G4 technology strengthens our strong collaborations in Korea and demonstrates our commitment to local manufacturing," said Asha Belarski, Vice President & General Manager, GE Aerospace's Marine Engines & Systems.

Caption: GE Aerospace's marine gas turbine and electric drive power and propulsion system configuration

Lightweight Composite Enclosure

Each KDDX destroyer will be powered by two LM2500+G4 engines, enclosed by GE Aerospace's new lightweight composite enclosure. This enclosure offered KDDX ship designers significant advantages compared to the previous steel enclosure, including a weight reduction of over 2,500 kg while maintaining the same footprint as the base LM2500 gas turbine. Additionally, the enclosure provides the ship's crew with benefits like less noise (60% quieter) and cooler wall temperatures (reduction of 25°F to 50°F degrees).

Caption: GE Aerospace's new lightweight gas turbine enclosure

In-Country Licensed Manufacturers

GE Aerospace's gas turbines are proven to meet the most demanding needs of the world's navies. To date, the ROK Navy has procured 163 GE Aerospace marine gas turbines for 95 ships. GE Aerospace's longstanding in-country partner, Hanwha Aerospace, will manufacture various engine components as well as assemble, test, and provide service support in country. The lightweight composite engine enclosure will also be manufactured locally by NRTEC in Busan, Korea.

GE Aerospace's Marine Engine Sets the Pace for the Future

The LM2500+G4 marine gas turbine was introduced in 2012 and currently powers Italian, French, Egyptian, and Moroccan FREMM frigates and was selected for the U.S. Navy's Constellation-class (FFG-62) program. Most recently, the LM2500+G4 was selected to power the U.S. Navy's DDG(X) Land Based Test Site as the Navy develops the final design for its future destroyer class. The LM2500 family of engines has significant commonalities, as all are two spool engines. The LM2500+G4 differs from the base LM2500 in that it 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. These engines serve demanding marine and industrial markets in mechanical and electrical generation applications, like KDDX.

About GE Aerospace Marine Engines & Systems

GE Aerospace is a global aerospace propulsion, services, and systems leader with an installed base of approximately 50,000 commercial and 30,000 military aircraft engines. With a global team of approximately 57,000 employees building on more than a century of innovation and learning, GE Aerospace is committed to inventing the future of flight, lifting people up, and bringing them home safely. Learn more about how GE Aerospace and its partners are defining flight for today, tomorrow, and the future at www.geaerospace.com.

The Marine Engines & Systems business offers marine propulsion systems to navies seeking battle-ready, power-dense solutions. We are advancing capabilities for warships around the globe through the reliable, expert design of the LM2500 family of marine gas turbines. For more information, visit GEAerospace.com/marine.

GE Aerospace Media Contact:

Deb Case
[email protected]
513-418-1644