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Evendale, Ohio—September 1, 2026—GE Aerospace will supply 12 LM2500+G4 marine gas turbine engines for six ships in the Republic of Korea Navy’s next-generation destroyer program, KDDX. Integrated into the class’s full electric propulsion configuration, the engines are intended to deliver operational flexibility and fuel efficiency, accommodate future power needs, and bolster survivability and redundancy. The setup is designed to meet the power requirements of the first ship in Korean Navy history to feature stealth-integrated radar and be 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
Each destroyer will be powered by two LM2500+G4 engines housed in GE Aerospace’s new lightweight composite enclosure. Compared with the previous steel enclosure, the composite design reduces weight by more than 2,500 kg while keeping the same footprint as the base LM2500 gas turbine. It also offers a quieter environment for crews—60% less noise—and cooler enclosure wall temperatures by 25°F to 50°F.
Caption: GE Aerospace’s new lightweight gas turbine enclosure
The program will leverage in-country licensed manufacturing. The Republic of Korea Navy has previously procured 163 GE Aerospace marine gas turbines for 95 ships. Hanwha Aerospace will produce engine components, assemble and test the engines, and provide service support in country. The composite enclosure will be manufactured locally by NRTEC in Busan, Korea.
The LM2500+G4, introduced in 2012, currently powers Italian, French, Egyptian, and Moroccan FREMM frigates and has been selected for the U.S. Navy’s Constellation-class (FFG-62) program. It was also chosen for the U.S. Navy’s DDG(X) Land Based Test Site as the service refines its future destroyer design. Part of a two-spool engine family, the LM2500+G4 incorporates a zero-stage high pressure compressor blisk and other technical upgrades to deliver 33% greater airflow and higher firing temperatures while retaining the base LM2500 footprint. The engines support demanding marine and industrial applications in both mechanical and electrical generation roles, as envisioned for KDDX.
