Hanwha Aerospace signs partnership with GA-ASI for new UAS tech
- MM24 News Desk
- Oct 19
- 2 min read
Executives from Hanwha Aerospace and GA-ASI at AUSA 2025
A new transpacific partnership is set to redefine the future of unmanned flight. Hanwha Aerospace has signed an agreement with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) to co-develop and co-produce the Gray Eagle Short Takeoff and Landing (GE-STOL) unmanned aircraft system (UAS), a next-generation platform designed for true runway independence.
The partnership was formalized during the Association of the U.S. Army’s 2025 Annual Meeting and Exposition (AUSA 2025). The signing ceremony was attended by Mr. Sun Kim, Senior Executive Vice President of Hanwha Aerospace, and Mr. David R. Alexander, President of GA-ASI, alongside representatives from both companies.
Accelerating Innovation Across Borders
Under the new agreement, Hanwha and GA-ASI will jointly design and manufacture a GE-STOL demonstrator aircraft, with its maiden flight planned for 2027 and customer deliveries targeted for 2028. The collaboration builds upon GA-ASI’s prototype, which is already undergoing flight testing, ensuring a rapid and low-risk path to operational readiness.
Hanwha Aerospace will contribute key subsystems — including engines, landing gear, fuel systems, avionics, and mission equipment — and establish a new production line in South Korea for local manufacturing and final assembly. GA-ASI will oversee final system integration in the United States.
“GA-ASI and Hanwha are investing in this project to expand development and production capabilities in South Korea,” said David R. Alexander, President of GA-ASI. “By combining the strengths of both companies, we’ll bring the Gray Eagle STOL to global customers faster than ever.”
Strengthening South Korea’s UAS Industry
The partnership aligns with Hanwha Aerospace’s long-term vision to expand its presence in the global unmanned systems market. Co-producing the GE-STOL in both South Korea and the U.S. is expected to create high-tech jobs and strengthen the domestic aerospace supply chain.
“Co-production will help Hanwha secure expertise in key technologies while fostering Korea’s UAS industry ecosystem,” said Jae-il Son, President and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace. “We aim to become a comprehensive UAS company — capable of handling everything from design to production and maintenance — leveraging our deep experience in jet engines, radar, and avionics.”
Redefining Runway Independence
The Gray Eagle STOL stands apart as the only medium-altitude, long-endurance UAS capable of operating from semi-improved surfaces such as dirt roads, beaches, fields, and parking lots. This unique capability enables flexible multi-mission operations, including Reconnaissance, Surveillance and Target Acquisition (RSTA), counter-UAS missions, and Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T).
Built on a modular open systems approach, GE-STOL enhances interoperability and mission adaptability for defense customers around the world.
Proven Capability at Sea and on Land
In November 2024, Hanwha and GA-ASI demonstrated the GE-STOL’s capabilities by successfully flying the “Mojave” demonstrator from the South Korean Navy’s amphibious landing ship ROKS Dokdo near Pohang. The aircraft has also completed operations from the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales (2023), live-fire trials at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona (2024), and dirt strip tests in 2023 — underscoring GA-ASI’s leadership in runway-independent UAS design and performance.
Through this partnership, Hanwha Aerospace and GA-ASI aim to deliver a new era of flexible, mission-ready unmanned aircraft systems built for both global and domestic defense needs.
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