Korea's Hanwha Aerospace Partners with GA-ASI on Gray Eagle STOL UAV
- Hanwha Aerospace announced on 2 April that it is partnering General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc to develop and manufacture unmanned aircraft systems for the global defence market.
The company stated that it plans to invest more than ₩750 billion (US$513 million) in development and production facilities for the latter’s Gray Eagle short take-off and landing (STOL)-capable Gray Eagle air vehicle and UAS engines. It will also build research and development, and production infrastructure in South Korea as well as with GA-ASI in the US.
The companies aim to achieve first flight of the jointly developed UAS in early 2027, it added.
“Hanwha Aerospace views unmanned systems as a strategic pillar for the future of defence,”
said Kim Dong Kwan, Vice Chairman of Hanwha Group.
"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,”
added Kim.
The collaboration follows a successful flight demonstration in 2024 when the companies launched a Gray Eagle from the Republic of Korea Navy (RoKN) amphibious landing ship ROKS Dokdo and landed at a ground facility.
The RoKN noted in a social media post that the Gray Eagle and its various support systems were loaded on Dokdo on 4 November, where it was assembled on board the ship before its 12 November flight. The air vehicle used the vessel’s aircraft elevators to access the flight deck, and also conducted a simulated landing operation during its hour-long flight.
GA-ASI earlier stated that South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense is evaluating the Gray Eagle for its ability to meet its emerging military requirements.
We’re excited to extend and deepen our business relationship with Hanwha,” said GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue, who supervised the 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 US.”
Source: Asian Military Review
