GE Aerospace will supply eight additional LM500 marine gas turbine engines for the Republic of Korea Navy’s (ROKN) PKX-B Batch-II patrol boat program for ships nine through twelve, extending its role as a key propulsion provider for these advanced vessels. This order, following the March 2023 selection for vessels one through four and the vessels five through eight in March 2024, reaffirms the LM500’s reliability and performance in demanding naval applications.

The PKX-B Batch-II patrol boats enhance the ROKN's littoral defense with rapid response and firepower in coastal and near-shore operations. The engine’s compact design, high power-to-weight ratio, and fuel efficiency serve as the boost engine in a combined diesel and gas turbine (CODAG) configuration. This configuration allows the PKX-B Batch-II vessels to achieve high speeds for rapid response missions, while maintaining fuel economy during cruising operations. The LM500 gas turbine's proven power and reliability make it the ideal choice for the PKX-B mission.