South Korea considers acquiring Turkish drone engines for UAV projects
South Korea's DAPA is investigating the procurement of TEI's PD170 turbodiesel engine from Türkiye for use in its drone programs.
South Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) is evaluating the potential procurement of Turkish-made aviation engines for its unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) programs. According to reports cited by Defence Turk, DAPA inquired with Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) regarding the availability of the PD170 turbodiesel engine.
The PD170 engine was developed by TUSAŞ Engine Industries (TEI) specifically to power indigenous medium-altitude, long-endurance drones. DAPA's inquiry highlights growing international interest in Türkiye's expanding defense manufacturing sector, particularly its unmanned aviation technology and propulsion systems. Further negotiations or potential contract terms between South Korean officials and Turkish defense manufacturers have not yet been publicly disclosed.
Sources: Defence Turk.