General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace have signed a collaboration agreement to jointly develop and produce Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) for global defense markets. The partnership builds on a successful flight demonstration in 2024, during which a GA-ASI MQ-1C Gray Eagle STOL was launched from the ROK Navy’s amphibious ship ROKS Dokdo while at sea near Pohang, South Korea.
The test flight demonstrated the aircraft’s capability to operate from ship decks without catapults or arresting gear, highlighting its suitability for multi-domain missions. Following this, both companies agreed to deepen cooperation to pursue new business opportunities in UAS.
Gray Eagle STOL (short takeoff and landing) is the only UAS in its class capable of operating from ship decks, roads, beaches, or other unprepared surfaces, making it runway-independent and adaptable to various mission environments.
Hanwha Aerospace plans to invest over 300 billion KRW (approximately USD 203.5 million) in development, production infrastructure, and R&D for UAS platforms and engines, both in South Korea and with GA-ASI in the United States. The collaboration is expected to create nearly 10,000 jobs over the next decade, including at least 500 in the U.S.
According to GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue, the partnership is an opportunity to expand UAS capabilities and manufacturing in both countries. Hanwha Group Vice Chairman Dong Kwan Kim stated that the agreement will enhance Korea’s sovereign defense capacity and global presence in unmanned systems, while reinforcing U.S.-ROK defense ties.
Gray Eagle STOL, formerly known as Mojave, shares core components with the Gray Eagle 25M platform, reducing cost and technical risk. It has already completed milestone achievements including live-fire trials, takeoffs from the HMS Prince of Wales, and various exercises in the U.S. and abroad.
