IRIA News

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South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace has started a strategic partnership with U.S.-based drone manufacturer General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) to jointly develop and produce cutting-edge ship-operated unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for international markets.

The collaboration represents a significant step toward establishing a robust UAS ecosystem across both countries, with a focus on scaling up production and enhancing the capabilities of General Atomics’ Gray Eagle Short Take-Off and Landing (GE-STOL) platform.

This announcement follows the successful demonstration of the GE-STOL drone in November 2024, where it completed a flight from a South Korean warship and safely landed at the Pohang Navy Airfield. The test marked a milestone in integrating advanced drones into naval and ground-based multi-domain operations.

“We’re excited to extend and deepen our business relationship with Hanwha,” said GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue, who was present during the test flight. “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 both in Korea and the US.”

The partnership between the two companies is marked by a significant financial commitment from Hanwha Aerospace, which plans to invest over $517 million. This investment will support a wide array of initiatives such as the development of production facilities for the GE-STOL drone and its engines, expanded research and development activities, and collaboration with domestic companies to boost the local UAS industry.

GE-STOL drone

The GE-STOL, formerly known as the Mojave demonstrator, shares core features with the Gray Eagle 25M UAS but offers enhanced flexibility and operational performance. Capable of carrying payloads of up to 1.6 tons, the drone is designed for short take-off and landing operations on rough and unprepared terrain. Its reconfigurable platform allows it to support various mission profiles, including armed reconnaissance, electronic warfare, surveillance, and integration with air-launched effects.

Drone flight tests under the Hanwha-GA-ASI partnership are slated for 2027, signaling an aggressive development timeline. The joint venture also aims to tap into high-demand global markets. According to market projections referenced by Chosun Daily, GA-ASI anticipates a demand for more than 600 GE-STOL units over the next decade. Regions targeted for potential exports include the United States, Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

Broader implications of strategic partnership

For Hanwha, the partnership aligns with its broader strategy to position unmanned systems as a cornerstone of future defense capabilities. The company is leveraging its technological and industrial base to create a stronger presence in the global defense market, particularly in the unmanned segment.

“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 [South Korea and U.S.] alliance,” said Dong Kwan Kim, Vice Chairman of Hanwha Group.

The alliance between Hanwha and GA-ASI also signals broader geopolitical and industrial shifts. As tensions continue to escalate in regions such as the Indo-Pacific and Eastern Europe, the demand for unmanned systems capable of rapid deployment and versatile missions has become increasingly pronounced. Both companies appear to be responding to these dynamics by offering a platform that blends operational efficiency with cutting-edge autonomy and combat-readiness.

Economic opportunities

Beyond the military applications, the partnership is expected to have significant industrial and economic impacts. The establishment of new production facilities and expanded R&D operations will create jobs, deepen supply chain networks, and foster innovation within both South Korean and U.S. defense sectors.

With this collaboration, Hanwha Aerospace and GA-ASI are not only pushing the boundaries of drone technology but also redefining defense cooperation between South Korea and the United States. The GE-STOL project could serve as a blueprint for future joint development initiatives between allied nations seeking to adapt to the evolving nature of modern warfare.