South Korea is developing advanced drone engines, aiming to compete globally in autonomous military systems. Hanwha Aerospace and Kasa are collaborating on a powerful turbofan engine project.

South Korea’s programme to develop engines that can power flying drones to serve as loyal wingmen for fighter jets suggests that Seoul has set its sights on competing at the top level in the global market for autonomous military systems, analysts said. Hanwha Aerospace, one of the country’s largest defence contractors, announced the programme on Tuesday – a joint project with South Korean space agency Kasa to develop a 4,500-pound-class (2,040kg) turbofan engine by 2029. The engine will be...