Hanwha Aerospace and GA-ASI to collaborate on unmanned aircraft systems
Following a successful at-sea launch of the Gray Eagle STOL from ROKS Dokdo, Hanwha and GA-ASI move forward with joint unmanned aircraft systems development and production
(From left) Dong Kwan Kim, vice chairman of Hanwha Group, and Linden Blue, CEO of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.
Hanwha Aerospace and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) have agreed to collaborate in developing and producing unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for the global defense market. This marks a significant step in Hanwha’s broader expansion into the UAS sector.
The announcement follows a successful flight demonstration on Nov. 12, 2024, when the companies launched a GA-ASI MQ-1C Gray Eagle STOL1 (Short Take-Off and Landing) UAS from the Republic of Korea (ROK) Navy's amphibious landing ship, the ROKS Dokdo (LPH-6111), off the coast of Pohang, South Korea. This demonstration illustrated the Gray Eagle STOL’s ability to operate from a variety of aircraft-capable vessels, paving the way for new approaches to multi-domain operations for the U.S. and its allies.
“Hanwha Aerospace views unmanned systems as a strategic pillar for the future of defense,” said Dong Kwan Kim, 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-U.S. alliance.”
“We’re excited to extend and deepen our business relationship with Hanwha,” said GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue, who oversaw the at-sea demonstration. “Our test flight with the Gray Eagle STOL was well-received by the Republic of Korea Navy, and we know Hanwha is ready to invest in growing a UAS business with GA-ASI in Korea and the U.S.”
Hanwha Aerospace plans to invest more than 750 billion KRW (517 million USD) in development and production facilities for the Gray Eagle STOL and UAS engines, building research, development, and manufacturing infrastructure in South Korea and with GA-ASI in the U.S. The companies aim to achieve a first flight by early 2027, while creating high-skilled jobs, developing a domestic UAS industry ecosystem in Korea, and expanding into global markets.
1 The Gray Eagle STOL is a medium-altitude, long-endurance UAS uniquely capable of operating without catapults or arresting gear from flight deck-equipped warships, as well as from unimproved surfaces such as roads or beaches. With a 1.6-ton payload and modular configuration, it supports both reconnaissance and strike missions. Formerly known as “Mojave,” it shares core systems with the Gray Eagle 25M, offering advanced capabilities with reduced cost and risk. The aircraft has achieved several aviation milestones, including launches from ROKS Dokdo and HMS Prince of Wales, and live-fire tests in the U.S.
Hanwha Aerospace
Founded in 1977 in South Korea, Hanwha Aerospace is a trusted global provider of transformative solutions that now extend beyond aerospace to the defense and marine sectors. With an unwavering focus on customer-centric quality management, continued innovation, and product competitiveness reinforced by advanced technologies, Hanwha Aerospace is surging forward as a world-class leader in the burgeoning space and aerospace businesses, as well as in the land, sea, and air defense industries.
For more information, visit: www.hanwhaaerospace.com/eng
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