Defense & Military
GA-ASI and Hanwha Partner for Gray Eagle STOL UAS Production
GA-ASI and Hanwha Aerospace partner to co-develop and produce Gray Eagle STOL UAS with first flight in 2027 and deliveries in 2028.
The recent agreement between General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and Hanwha Aerospace marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) development and international defense collaboration. Announced on October 14, 2025, this joint initiative focuses on the co-development and co-production of the Gray Eagle Short Takeoff and Landing (GE STOL) UAS, a platform designed to deliver advanced operational flexibility for military customers worldwide. The partnership is not only significant for the two companies involved but also for the broader landscape of defense technology and international cooperation.
The agreement is emblematic of a shift in global defense industry strategies, where alliances extend beyond technology transfers to encompass joint manufacturing and ecosystem development. By establishing a production facility in South Korea and leveraging both companies’ expertise, GA-ASI and Hanwha aim to address increasing demand for versatile, runway-independent UAS platforms. This move is set to impact not only the U.S. and South Korean defense sectors but also the global UAS market, which is projected to experience substantial growth in the coming decades.
As the Gray Eagle STOL UAS prepares for its first production-representative flight in 2027, the collaboration between GA-ASI and Hanwha Aerospace stands as a case study in cross-border innovation, technology sharing, and economic development. The implications for defense capabilities, industrial competitiveness, and military operations are far-reaching, warranting a closer examination of the partnership’s details, goals, and expected outcomes.
General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) is a prominent U.S.-based developer and manufacturers of unmanned aircraft systems, best known for its Predator series, including the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper. With a longstanding reputation for delivering advanced UAS solutions to military and government clients, GA-ASI has played a central role in shaping modern aerial surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.
Hanwha Aerospace, on the other hand, stands as a leading force in South Korea’s aerospace and defense sector. The company’s portfolio spans aircraft engines, radar systems, avionics, and now, a growing commitment to unmanned systems. Hanwha’s partnership with GA-ASI aligns with its strategic vision to become a comprehensive UAS company, leveraging its technological base to expand capabilities from design to production and maintenance.
The collaboration between these two industry leaders is designed to combine GA-ASI’s UAS expertise with Hanwha’s manufacturing and systems integration strengths. This synergy is expected to foster innovation, accelerate development timelines, and position both companies at the forefront of the rapidly evolving UAS market.
“GA-ASI and Hanwha are committed to investing in this project and building development and production capabilities in South Korea. We’ll be leveraging the expertise of both companies to quickly bring the Gray Eagle STOL to global customers.”
— David R. Alexander, President, GA-ASI
The Gray Eagle STOL UAS is engineered to deliver medium-altitude, long-endurance performance with a unique emphasis on operational runway independence. Unlike many traditional UAS platforms, the GE STOL is capable of taking off and landing on semi-improved surfaces such as dirt roads, fields, and even naval vessels, without the need for specialized catapults or arresting gear. This design attribute significantly expands deployment options and operational reach. The demonstrator variant, known as Mojave, has already undergone notable trials, including a successful operation from a dirt strip and a landmark flight from the South Korean Navy’s amphibious landing ship, ROKS Dokdo, in 2024. These demonstrations underscore the platform’s adaptability in multi-domain operations, supporting missions ranging from intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) to direct attack roles.
With a payload capacity of 1.6 tonnes, the Gray Eagle STOL can be configured for a variety of mission profiles. Its flexibility is expected to appeal to a broad spectrum of military customers seeking to enhance their operational agility and reduce dependency on fixed infrastructure.
“Co-producing GE [Gray Eagle] STOL in South Korea and the U.S. will create jobs and help Hanwha secure talent in related fields as well as foster our domestic (Korean) UAS industry ecosystem.”
— Jae-il Son, President and CEO, Hanwha Aerospace
The agreement, finalized at the Association of the US Army (AUSA) conference in October 2025, outlines a comprehensive plan for co-development and co-production of the Gray Eagle STOL UAS. A central component of this plan is the establishment of a dedicated production facility in South Korea, which will handle final assembly and manufacturing. GA-ASI will oversee the final integration of mission systems, ensuring that both companies contribute their core competencies to the project.
Initial production will be distributed between GA-ASI’s facilities in California and Hanwha’s facilities in South Korea, allowing for knowledge transfer and the establishment of robust manufacturing processes. This approach is designed to expedite the ramp-up to full-scale production and support timely delivery to customers.
The partnership specifically targets a global customer base, with the U.S. Department of Defense and the South Korean Ministry of National Defense identified as primary clients. The first flight of a production-representative Gray Eagle STOL is scheduled for 2027, with initial deliveries planned for 2028.
The global unmanned aircraft systems market is experiencing rapid growth, with projections estimating its value to reach 5 trillion KRW by 2040. GA-ASI has identified a potential demand for over 600 Gray Eagle STOL units within the next decade, which could translate into approximately 15 trillion won in revenue over that period.
Hanwha Aerospace has committed to investing more than 750 billion KRW in the development and production facilities for the GE STOL and its engines. Of this, 300 billion KRW will be sourced through a share offering, underlining the scale and seriousness of Hanwha’s commitment to the project. Beyond direct financial returns, the partnership is anticipated to generate significant economic benefits for South Korea, including job creation, skills development, and the strengthening of the domestic UAS industry ecosystem. It also positions Hanwha as a key player in the global UAS supply chain.
“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 ROK-US alliance.”
— Dong Kwan Kim, Vice Chairman of Hanwha Group
The Gray Eagle STOL’s ability to operate from unimproved surfaces and naval vessels provides “unprecedented runway independence,” a feature that is increasingly valued in modern military operations where flexibility and rapid deployment are critical. This capability allows for distributed operations, reduced vulnerability to attacks on fixed bases, and enhanced support for expeditionary and maritime missions.
The partnership also reflects a broader trend in international defense cooperation, where joint development and production projects are leveraged to deepen alliances, share technological advancements, and enhance interoperability between allied forces. For both the U.S. and South Korea, this collaboration reinforces mutual defense commitments and supports shared strategic objectives in the Indo-Pacific region and beyond.
The successful 2024 demonstration of the Gray Eagle STOL from a South Korean naval vessel serves as a proof of concept for future multi-domain operations, highlighting the platform’s potential to reshape operational doctrines and expand the envelope of unmanned aviation.
The GA-ASI and Hanwha Aerospace partnership to produce the Gray Eagle STOL UAS represents a strategic convergence of technological innovation, industrial collaboration, and international defense cooperation. By combining their respective strengths, the two companies are poised to deliver a platform that meets the evolving needs of military customers seeking greater operational flexibility and resilience.
As the project moves forward, the first flight in 2027 and subsequent deliveries will serve as key milestones, not only for the companies involved but also for the broader defense industry. The success of this initiative could pave the way for similar cross-border collaborations, further integrating global supply chains and advancing the capabilities of unmanned systems worldwide.
What is the Gray Eagle STOL UAS? Who are the main partners in this project? When is the first flight and delivery of the Gray Eagle STOL planned? What are the expected economic benefits of the partnership? How does this partnership affect international defense cooperation?
GA-ASI and Hanwha Aerospace: Strategic Partnership for Gray Eagle STOL UAS Production
Background and Significance of the GA-ASI, Hanwha Agreement
Understanding the Partners: GA-ASI and Hanwha Aerospace
The Gray Eagle STOL UAS: Capabilities and Operational Flexibility
Key Aspects of the Partnership and Market Impact
Agreement Details and Production Strategy
Market Projections and Economic Implications
Operational and Strategic Benefits
Conclusion: Future Implications and Milestones to Watch
FAQ
The Gray Eagle STOL UAS is a medium-altitude, long-endurance unmanned aircraft system designed for runway independence, capable of operating from semi-improved surfaces and naval vessels without specialized launch or recovery equipment.
The project is a joint effort between General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) of the United States and Hanwha Aerospace of South Korea.
The first production-representative flight is scheduled for 2027, with the first customer deliveries expected in 2028.
The partnership is expected to create jobs, foster skills development, and strengthen the domestic UAS industry in South Korea, in addition to generating significant revenue from global sales.
The agreement exemplifies a new phase of U.S.-South Korea defense cooperation, moving beyond traditional alliances to joint development and production, thereby enhancing interoperability and mutual defense capabilities.
Sources
Photo Credit: GA-ASI
Defense & Military
Nimrod XV232 Faces Urgent Relocation as Coventry Airport Closes in 2026
The historic Nimrod XV232 aircraft must be relocated from Coventry Airport by May 2026 before the site transforms into a UK green energy center.
This article is based on an official update from the Nimrod Preservation Group.
The Nimrod Preservation Group (NPG) has issued an urgent alert regarding the future of the Nimrod XV232, a historic maritime patrol aircraft stationed at Airports. Following confirmation that the airport will permanently close in 2026 to facilitate the construction of a battery gigafactory, the group faces a strict deadline to relocate the massive aircraft or risk seeing it dismantled and scrapped.
According to the official update from the preservation group, the airport operators have confirmed that the site will cease operations on June 11, 2026. Consequently, the group has been served a formal notice to vacate the premises by May 9, 2026. This leaves the volunteer team with a narrow window to secure funding and logistical approval for what they describe as a “monumental” relocation effort.
The driving force behind the eviction is the redevelopment of the airfield into “Greenpower Park,” a joint venture between the Rigby Group (owners of Coventry Airport) and Coventry City Council. The site is designated to become a UK Centre of Electrification and Clean Energy.
While the development promises advancement in Green-Technology, it poses an existential threat to the Cold War-era jet. The Nimrod XV232 has been based at Coventry since May 2010, maintained in “ground-running” condition by a dedicated team of volunteers. The aircraft regularly performs engine runs and taxi demonstrations, keeping its systems active despite not having flown for over 15 years.
The timeline provided by the NPG is rigid. With the airport’s closure set for June 2026, the group must remove the aircraft a month prior. Kevin Connor, Director of the Nimrod Preservation Group, expressed the gravity of the situation in the group’s recent statement.
“The news of the closure has been in the pipeline for a number of years now. We were warned, but it’s been dragging on… and it became one of those things that felt a bit unrealistic.”
, Kevin Connor, Director of the Nimrod Preservation Group
The preservation group has outlined three potential outcomes for the aircraft, only two of which result in its survival. The logistical challenges for both survival options are significant due to the aircraft’s size and regulatory status. The preferred, albeit most difficult, option is to fly the XV232 to a new location. This “dream” scenario involves ferrying the aircraft to another museum or airfield. However, the regulatory hurdles are immense. The aircraft would require a special “Permit to Fly” from the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). Gaining approval for a complex military jet that has been grounded since 2010 would necessitate extensive inspections and potentially costly repairs to meet safety standards for a single ferry flight.
The alternative survival option is to dismantle the aircraft and transport it by road. The Nimrod is based on the de Havilland Comet airframe, making it a large and structurally complex machine. Disassembling it without causing irreversible structural damage is technically difficult and labor-intensive. Furthermore, the costs associated with heavy haulage and reassembly at a new site are expected to be substantial.
If neither of the relocation options can be funded or executed by the May 9, 2026 deadline, the group warns that the aircraft will likely be disposed of on-site.
“If we can’t find a solution… unfortunately it is likely that [XV232’s] fate will be out of our hands and she may be split up where she is, something none of us wants to contemplate.”
, Kevin Connor, Director of the Nimrod Preservation Group
The potential loss of XV232 would mean the destruction of a significant piece of British Military-Aircraft history. The aircraft is a Hawker Siddeley Nimrod MR2, a veteran of the 1982 Falklands War. It holds a specific place in aviation records, having completed the longest reconnaissance flight by a Nimrod during the Falklands campaign. Supported by air-to-air refueling, the aircraft covered 8,453 miles in 18 hours and 50 minutes.
Since its arrival at Coventry from RAF Kinloss in 2010, it has served as a “living” exhibit, allowing the public to experience the sights and sounds of four Rolls-Royce Spey engines in operation.
The situation facing Nimrod XV232 highlights a recurring conflict in industrial heritage preservation: the tension between preserving historic technology and developing modern infrastructure. The irony here is palpable, a gas-guzzling, four-engine Cold War jet is being displaced by a facility dedicated to electrification and green energy. While the economic and environmental arguments for the Gigafactory are clear, the cultural cost is the potential erasure of a unique engineering artifact. Without significant external intervention, likely in the form of a major financial donor or a partner aviation organization, the regulatory and financial barriers to moving a grounded Nimrod may prove insurmountable in the short time remaining.
When is the final deadline for the aircraft to move? Can the aircraft still fly? How can the public help?
Historic Nimrod XV232 Faces Scrapping Threat Amid Coventry Airport Closure
The “Greenpower Park” Displacement
A Strict Deadline
Survival Options: Flight, Road, or Scrap
Option A: The “One-Flight” Solution
Option B: Road Transport
Option C: Scrapping
Historical Significance of XV232
AirPro News Analysis
Frequently Asked Questions
The Nimrod Preservation Group has been given a deadline of May 9, 2026, to vacate Coventry Airport.
Technically, the engines and systems are maintained in running order. However, legally and safely, it requires a “Permit to Fly” from the CAA, which involves rigorous inspections after 15 years on the ground.
The group is appealing for financial support via a GoFundMe campaign and is seeking technical expertise or contacts that could facilitate a move by road or air.
Sources
Photo Credit: Nimrod Preservation Group
Defense & Military
FCAS Talks Stall as Two-Fighter Plan Emerges in Europe
Dispute between Dassault and Airbus stalls FCAS Phase 2 contract. Macron and Merz to meet amid a proposal for separate French and German fighters.
This article summarizes reporting by Reuters and additional context from Breaking Defense and Table.Media.
The vision of a single, unified European fighter jet faces its most significant hurdle yet. A critical meeting held in Berlin on December 12, 2025, between the defense ministers of France, Germany, and Spain concluded without an agreement on the next phase of the Future Combat Air System (FCAS). According to reporting by Reuters, the deadlock over industrial leadership has forced the negotiations to be escalated to the highest political level.
French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz are now expected to seek a resolution during their upcoming meeting, scheduled for December 17–19. The inability to sign a contract for “Phase 2”, the demonstrator phase, has paralyzed the program, raising fears that the project could fracture or face indefinite delays.
While official statements from the ministries attempted to project continued cooperation, sources indicate that a radical “Plan B” is gaining traction within German industry circles: a proposal to split the airframe development while sharing underlying systems.
The trilateral meeting in Berlin was attended by German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius, French Defense Minister Catherine Vautrin, and Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles. The primary objective was to finalize the contract for Phase 2, which covers the construction and flight testing of a prototype aircraft. The original timeline aimed for a first flight by 2027 or 2028, but delays have likely pushed this target to 2029 or 2030.
According to Reuters, the talks failed to produce a signed deal. While the German Ministry of Defense described the discussions as “confidential,” a French spokesperson noted that the meeting allowed the nations to “reaffirm our willingness to continue joint work.” However, industry analysts view this language as a diplomatic placeholder masking deep friction between the industrial partners.
At the heart of the impasse is a power struggle between the program’s two industrial giants: France’s Dassault Aviation and Germany’s Airbus Defence and Space. The dispute centers on the division of labor and intellectual property rights for the Next Generation Fighter (NGF), the core manned Military-Aircraft of the FCAS system.
Dassault has consistently demanded “clear leadership” of the NGF component. CEO Éric Trappier has previously argued that Dassault’s experience with the Rafale fighter entitles it to be the undisputed architect, stating that cooperation should not equate to co-management. Conversely, Airbus, backed by the German government, demands an partnership on an “equal footing,” arguing that German taxpayer funds should not subsidize a project where French industry holds all critical design authority. Tensions have spilled over into the labor sector. According to reports regarding a statement from IG Metall, Germany’s powerful metalworkers’ union, there is a growing sentiment to block further cooperation if the current terms persist.
“We are happy to collaborate with French businesses but not with Dassault.”
, Statement attributed to IG Metall (via Table.Media reporting)
The union has cited a loss of trust, accusing the French firm of endangering German jobs and refusing to treat Airbus as a peer.
In the wake of the failed talks, a new proposal has emerged from the German Aerospace Industries Association (BDLI). As reported by Table.Media, this concept suggests a restructuring of the program to prevent total collapse.
Under this “Two-Fighter” proposal:
The emergence of a “Two-Fighter” proposal is a tacit admission that the political cost of a single airframe may be too high. While this approach would save the “European” nature of the combat cloud and drone systems, it would likely duplicate the most expensive part of the development: the physical aircraft. This mirrors the split in the 1980s that resulted in the separate development of the French Rafale and the pan-European Eurofighter Typhoon. If adopted, this plan would effectively end the dream of a standardized European air force inventory for the mid-21st century, though it might be the only way to keep Germany and France technically aligned on software and connectivity.
Pressure is mounting on Paris and Berlin due to the rapid progress of the rival Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). A partnership between the UK, Italy, and Japan, GCAP has already signed a formal treaty and established a joint venture, targeting a 2035 entry into service.
Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has publicly stated that the door remains open for Germany to join GCAP. If FCAS collapses or fractures, Germany has a viable alternative partner in the Anglo-Italian-Japanese alliance. France, however, would face the prospect of funding a sixth-generation fighter entirely on its own, a massive financial burden that could strain its defense budget.
What is the main reason for the delay? What happens next? Is the program cancelled? What is the “Two-Fighter” solution? Sources: Reuters, Breaking Defense, Table.Media / BDLI, IG Metall.
FCAS Talks Stall in Berlin: “Two-Fighter” Plan Emerges as Leaders Step In
The Berlin Stalemate
Industrial Rift: Dassault vs. Airbus
Union Ultimatum
A Radical “Plan B”: The Two-Fighter Solution
AirPro News Analysis
The GCAP Factor
Frequently Asked Questions
The primary cause is a dispute over industrial leadership between Dassault (France) and Airbus (Germany). Dassault wants decision-making authority, while Airbus wants an equal partnership.
The decision has been escalated to French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, who are expected to meet between December 17 and 19, 2025.
No. Phase 1B is concluding, but the contract for Phase 2 (the prototype phase) has not been signed. The program is currently in a state of uncertainty.
It is a proposal where France and Germany build different physical jets but share the same software, cloud network, and drone companions.
Photo Credit: breaking defense
Defense & Military
Greece Signs €50M Support Contract for NH90 Helicopter Fleet
The Greek Ministry of Defence signs a five-year €50 million Follow-on Support contract with NHIndustries to maintain NH90 helicopter operational readiness.
This article is based on an official press release from Airbus and additional background data regarding the agreement.
On December 12, 2025, the Greek Ministry of Defence officially signed a Follow-on Support (FOS) contract with NHIndustries (NHI), a consortium comprising Airbus Helicopters, Leonardo, and Fokker. The agreement aims to revitalize the operational readiness of the Hellenic Army’s fleet of 20 NH90 helicopters.
According to the official announcement, this contract marks a decisive step in ensuring the sustainability of Greece’s tactical transport capabilities. While the official press release focused on the partnership’s renewal, industry reports indicate the deal is valued at approximately €50 million ($52.5 million) and will span a five-year period from 2025 to 2030.
The primary objective of the new agreement is to establish a robust support ecosystem for the Hellenic Army Aviation. For years, the fleet has faced logistical hurdles, and this contract is designed to accelerate the supply of spare parts and maintenance services. The deal covers the entirety of the Greek fleet, which includes 16 Tactical Transport Helicopters (TTH) and four Special Operations (SOF) variants.
In a statement regarding the signing, NHIndustries leadership emphasized the necessity of this support structure to maintain fleet availability.
“This contract is a key milestone for the success of the NH90 in Greece. It provides the necessary foundation to ensure the fleet remains operational and ready for mission deployment.”
, Axel Aloccio, President of NHIndustries
The agreement comes just two months after the delivery of the 20th and final NH90 unit to Greece in October 2025, concluding a procurement timeline that began more than two decades ago.
The path to this support contract has been complex. Greece initially ordered the helicopters in August 2003, with the first delivery occurring in 2011. However, the program faced significant delays and availability issues over the years. According to defense sector reporting surrounding the contract, the Hellenic Army has struggled with severe shortages of spare parts. Prior to this agreement, reports suggested that nearly half of the delivered fleet, approximately 9 out of 19 units at the time, had been grounded or “cannibalized” (stripped of parts) to keep other aircraft airworthy. The new FOS contract is explicitly aimed at reversing this trend, allowing the Ministry of Defence to restore grounded airframes to service.
The fleet includes four specialized SOF units tailored for the Hellenic Army’s special forces. Unlike the standard transport variants, these helicopters are equipped with specific mission avionics, including:
This agreement signals a strong strategic commitment from Athens to the NH90 platform, distinguishing Greece from other NATO operators. In recent years, nations such as Australia and Norway have moved to retire or cancel their NH90 fleets due to maintenance costs and availability concerns. By signing a €50 million support deal, Greece is effectively “doubling down” on the platform rather than abandoning it.
We assess that this decision is driven by two factors: the high “sunk cost” of the recently completed delivery schedule and the urgent operational requirements of the Hellenic Army. With tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean necessitating rapid troop mobility to island territories, Greece cannot afford the capability gap that would result from switching platforms now.
The support contract also aligns with Greece’s broader €25 billion defense modernization plan, known as “Achilles Shield,” which seeks to integrate air mobility with new naval and air defense assets by 2036.
Greece Signs Critical Follow-On Support Contract for NH90 Helicopters Fleet
Contract Scope and Objectives
Operational Context and Fleet History
Addressing the “Cannibalization” Crisis
Special Operations Capabilities
AirPro News Analysis
Strategic Commitment Amidst Global Divergence
Sources
Photo Credit: Airbus
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