Transforming the Skies: Hanwha and GA-ASI Unite to Redefine UAS Innovation Worldwide
Hanwha Aerospace and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) have established a collaboration to jointly innovate and manufacture Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) for the global defense arena.
This collaboration comes after a fruitful flight trial in 2024 when the companies deployed a GA-ASI MQ-1C Gray Eagle STOL (Short Take-Off and Landing) UAS from the South Korean navy’s amphibious assault vessel ROKS Dokdo (LPH-6111), while maneuvering in waters off the coast of Pohang, South Korea. This demonstration highlighted the Gray Eagle STOL’s capability to operate from diverse aircraft-capable vessels, opening new avenues for both the U.S. and its allies to enhance multi-domain operations.
“Hanwha Aerospace sees unmanned systems as a crucial element for the future of defense. Through our partnership with GA-ASI, we aim to strengthen sovereign defense capabilities, expand Korea’s presence in the global UAS market, and contribute to a fortified ROK-US alliance,” asserted Dong Kwan Kim, Vice Chairman of Hanwha Group.
“We’re excited to expand and deepen our business partnership with Hanwha,” stated GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue, who supervised the at-sea demonstration on November 12, 2024. “Our test flight with Gray Eagle STOL garnered positive responses from the Republic of Korea Navy, and we are confident that Hanwha is well-positioned to invest in enhancing a UAS initiative with GA-ASI in both Korea and the U.S.”
With this agreement, Hanwha aims to penetrate the unmanned aircraft systems sector, which is projected to reach 5 trillion KRW globally by 2040.
Domestic Production and Capital Investment
Hanwha Aerospace plans to invest over 750 billion KRW into the development and production facilities for Gray Eagle STOL and UAS engines, establishing research, development, and manufacturing infrastructures in South Korea and in partnership with GA-ASI in the U.S.
The firm seeks to generate job opportunities by sourcing talent in relevant sectors and nurturing a domestic UAS industry ecosystem in Korea by identifying local suppliers for components and materials.
The organizations target to achieve the initial flight in early 2027, with aspirations to venture into international markets.
Robust Partnership for Advanced UAS Capabilities
The Gray Eagle STOL remains the only medium-altitude, long-endurance aircraft of its kind, capable of operating without a catapult or arresting gear from flight deck-equipped vessels such as aircraft carriers. It is also proficient at functioning from unpaved surfaces like roads, beaches, and parking lots.
With a payload capacity of 1.6 tons, the Gray Eagle STOL can perform a myriad of missions, including reconnaissance and combat operations, contingent on the equipment setup.
Previously known internally by GA-ASI as Mojave, Gray Eagle STOL employs extensive commonality with the well-established, in-production Gray Eagle 25M airframe. This provides a highly capable new aircraft at significantly lower costs and technical risks compared to an entirely new design.
The aircraft has reached numerous first-of-their-kind aviation milestones, including the flight from ROKS Dokdo, launch and recovery aboard the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales (09), live fire evaluations at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, among other achievements.
