Changwon industrial complex designated as advanced aircraft engine specialized complex

The Changwon National Industrial Complex has been designated a national advanced strategic industry specialized complex for advanced aircraft engines in the defense sector. South Gyeongsang Province announced Wednesday that it will invest 773.1 billion won ($569 million) in national and local government funds through 2036 to develop aircraft engine technology and build the industrial foundation.

The complex is the only one in the country dedicated to advanced aircraft engines, and it marks the first time a national advanced strategic industry specialized complex has been designated in South Gyeongsang Province. The province began preparing for the designation in August last year, submitted its application to the central government in February and secured final selection after passing evaluations by a government subcommittee and deliberations by the National Advanced Strategic Industries Committee.

The complex will be developed by linking Changwon's engine development and manufacturing capabilities with Jinju's testing and research functions and Sacheon's finished-aircraft industry. The Changwon industrial complex is home to Hanwha Aerospace, 43 materials, parts, equipment and partner companies, and the Korea Institute of Materials Science.

The province will pursue 36 detailed tasks under three strategic pillars. Of the total budget, 548.6 billion won has been allocated to localizing proprietary advanced aircraft engine technology, 170.7 billion won to supply chain self-sufficiency and 53.8 billion won to securing the complex's operational capacity. The plan covers everything from research and development to building testing, certification and demonstration infrastructure, as well as support for small and midsize companies.

Corporate investment is also planned. Participating companies — including Hanwha Aerospace, Doosan Enerbility and Seah Changwon Specialty Steel — are set to invest a combined 2.28 trillion won in connection with the complex.

The province is also pushing to train specialized aircraft engine personnel. Gyeongsang National University was selected for the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy's 2026 Advanced Industry Specialized Graduate School program in the aviation and defense sector, securing 17.2 billion won in national and other funding. The university plans to produce 120 master's and doctoral graduates in the field by 2031.

South Gyeongsang Province has set a target of raising the domestic production rate for key aircraft engine components from the current 22 percent to 90 percent by 2035, while achieving sales of 6 trillion won and exports of 3 trillion won. The number of strong small and midsize companies in the sector is to grow from 16 to 30, and the workforce is to expand from 4,000 to 12,000, creating more than 8,000 new jobs.

The central government is pursuing development of a next-generation turbofan engine with a basic thrust of 16,000 pounds and 24,000 pounds with afterburner operation, as part of efforts to reduce dependence on foreign technology. The target date for launching the main project is 2028.

"This designation marks a new starting point for South Korea's technological independence in advanced aircraft engines," Deputy Governor for Economic Affairs Choi Man-rim said. "We will bring together the capabilities of industry, academia and research to develop South Gyeongsang Province into a global cluster for the aircraft engine industry."