Strategic Partnership Between GA-ASI and Hanwha Aerospace on GE STOL UAS

Overview of the Agreement

On October 14, 2025, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and Hanwha Aerospace, a prominent South Korean defense manufacturing firm, established a robust partnership aimed at co-developing and co-producing the Gray Eagle® Short Takeoff and Landing (GE STOL) unmanned aircraft system (UAS). This collaboration signifies a pivotal evolution in U.S.-Korea defense relations, aiming to transcend conventional alliance frameworks to produce cutting-edge, runway-independent UAS capabilities that enhance operational versatility amid shifting mission requirements.

Project Specifications and Timeline

The partnership will initiate immediate collaborative efforts, focusing on the design and construction of a production-representative version of the GE STOL. Significant milestones in the program include:

• Maiden Flight: Scheduled for 2027
• First Customer Delivery: Anticipated in 2028

With an advanced prototype, the program has already entered the testing phase, showcasing its capability to deliver operational assets rapidly and with reduced risk. The cooperation allows GA-ASI and Hanwha Aerospace to leverage the established Gray Eagle framework while incorporating innovative design elements.

Localized Production and Job Creation

To facilitate this initiative, a manufacturing facility will be erected in South Korea, where final assembly of the GE STOL will occur, with GA-ASI overseeing the integration process. While this partnership will enhance local production capabilities, GA-ASI will continue to manufacture its other Gray Eagle models in San Diego.

David R. Alexander, President of GA-ASI, commented:

“Our mutual commitment to this project will significantly augment development and production capabilities within South Korea.”

Key Features of the GE STOL

The Gray Eagle STOL distinguishes itself as the only medium-altitude, long-endurance UAS capable of true runway independence. It can operate efficiently from a variety of semi-improved surfaces, such as:

• Dirt roads
• Open fields
• Beaches
• Parking lots

This capability dramatically broadens operational deployment scenarios, allowing for multi-functional roles, including but not limited to:

• Reconnaissance
• Surveillance
• Target Acquisition (RSTA)
• Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS)
• Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T)

Technological Milestones

Utilizing the GE STOL demonstrator, named Mojave, GA-ASI has accomplished several pioneering aviation feats. Notably:

• 2024: Demonstrated flight from ROKS Dokdo, a South Korean Navy amphibious landing ship, while underway
• 2023: Successfully launched and recovered the Mojave from HMS Prince of Wales, a British aircraft carrier
• 2024: Conducted live-fire testing at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona
• 2023: Executed operations on dirt strips, showcasing unparalleled runway independence

Strategic Implications and Future Outlook

The venture is aligned with Hanwha’s strategic objective to fortify its UAS portfolio. The partnership, backed by both companies’ forward-looking strategies, aims to mitigate risks and reduce lifecycle costs through international collaboration and shared financial commitments. This synergy is expected to ensure timely delivery of next-generation UAS solutions both in Korea and globally.

Mr. Jae-il Son, Hanwha Aerospace’s President and CEO, remarked:

“This joint production initiative will generate employment opportunities and contribute to cultivating talent in Korea’s UAS sector.”

Conclusion

The collaboration between GA-ASI and Hanwha Aerospace promises to deliver a low-risk, innovation-centric UAS solution, granting military commanders unparalleled operational flexibility while maintaining cost efficiency. As both companies push the boundaries of UAS capabilities, the partnership stands to substantially influence future defense strategies and operational readiness.

Photo courtesy: GA-ASI and Hanwha Aerospace