Hanwha Aerospace and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) have partnered to collaborate on the development and production of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for the global defense market.
The collaboration follows a successful flight demonstration in 2024 when the companies launched a GA-ASI MQ-1C Gray Eagle STOL(Short Take-Off and Landing) UAS from the South Korean navy’s amphibious landing ship ROKS Dokdo (LPH-6111) while underway at sea off the coast of Pohang, South Korea. This demonstration illustrated the ability of the Gray Eagle STOL to operate on many types of aircraft-capable ships, opening numerous new ways for the U.S. and its allies to support multi-domain operations.
“Hanwha Aerospace views unmanned systems as a strategic pillar for the future of defense. Through our collaboration with GA-ASI, we aim to strengthen sovereign defense capabilities, expand Korea’s presence in the global UAS market, and contribute to a more robust ROK-US alliance.” said Dong Kwan Kim, Vice Chairman of Hanwha Group.
“We’re excited to extend and deepen our business relationship with Hanwha,” said GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue, who supervised the November 12, 2024 at-sea demonstration. “Our test flight with Gray Eagle STOL was well-received by the Republic of Korea Navy and we know Hanwha is ready to invest to grow a UAS business with GA-ASI in Korea and the U.S.”
With this agreement, Hanwha plans to enter the unmanned aircraft systems market, which is projected to reach 5 trillion KRW globally by 2040.
Domestic Production and Investment
Hanwha Aerospace plans to invest more than 750 billion KRW in development and production facilities for Gray Eagle STOL and UAS engines, building research and development, and production infrastructure in South Korea as well as with GA-ASI in the U.S.
The company plans to create jobs by recruiting talent in relevant fields and develop a domestic UAS industry ecosystem in Korea by identifying local component and material supplier companies.
The companies aim to achieve first flight in early 2027, with a plan to expand to global markets.
Comprehensive Partnership for Advanced UAS Capabilities
The Gray Eagle STOL is the only medium-altitude, long-endurance aircraft of its kind with the ability to operate without a catapult or arresting gear from flight deck equipped warships such as aircraft carriers. It is also capable of operating effectively from unimproved surfaces such as roads, beaches, parking lots, etc.
With a payload capacity of 1.6 tons, the Gray Eagle STOL can perform various missions including reconnaissance and attack operations, depending on the equipment configuration.
Previously known by GA-ASI’s internal codename Mojave, Gray Eagle STOL leverages extensive commonality with the well-proven, in-production Gray Eagle 25M airframe. This provides a highly capable new aircraft at greatly reduced cost and technical risk compared to a clean-sheet design.
The aircraft has recorded 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 tests at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona, and several others.
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