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.
GA-ASI and Hanwha Aerospace: Strategic Partnership for Gray Eagle STOL UAS Production
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.
Background and Significance of the GA-ASI, Hanwha Agreement
Understanding the Partners: GA-ASI and Hanwha Aerospace
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: Capabilities and Operational Flexibility
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
Key Aspects of the Partnership and Market Impact
Agreement Details and Production Strategy
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.
Market Projections and Economic Implications
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
Operational and Strategic Benefits
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.
Conclusion: Future Implications and Milestones to Watch
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.
FAQ
What is the Gray Eagle STOL UAS?
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.
Who are the main partners in this project?
The project is a joint effort between General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) of the United States and Hanwha Aerospace of South Korea.
When is the first flight and delivery of the Gray Eagle STOL planned?
The first production-representative flight is scheduled for 2027, with the first customer deliveries expected in 2028.
What are the expected economic benefits of the partnership?
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.
How does this partnership affect international defense cooperation?
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
US Approves $2.3B Black Hawk Sale to Norway for 21 UH-60M
The U.S. State Department approved a $2.3B sale of 21 Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawks to Norway, replacing a prior HH-60W order.
The U.S. Department of State has approved a potential $2.3 billion Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Norway for up to 21 Sikorsky UH-60M Black Hawk helicopters. The August 21, 2026 authorization marks a strategic pivot for the Norwegian Armed Forces, which previously planned to acquire a smaller fleet of specialized combat rescue rotorcraft.
Announced by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) under Transmittal 26-83, the proposed package includes the airframes, 46 General Electric T700-GE-701D engines, and extensive defensive and communication suites. The acquisition is designed to enhance Norway’s tactical air mobility across its Arctic territory and border regions, replacing the Royal Norwegian Air Force’s aging fleet of 18 Bell 412 helicopters.
Shifting from specialized rescue to multi-role utility
The approval officially reverses a July 11, 2025 decision in which the U.S. State Department cleared a $2.6 billion sale of nine Sikorsky HH-60W Jolly Green II helicopters to Norway. The HH-60W is heavily optimized for combat search and rescue missions.
By opting instead for 21 UH-60M variants, Norway prioritizes volume and multi-role utility over specialized rescue capabilities. The larger fleet will provide increased capacity for troop transport, medical evacuation, and equipment movement in demanding Arctic environments.
Equipment package and implementation details
The $2.3 billion ceiling covers a comprehensive suite of avionics, defensive countermeasures, and weaponry. According to the DSCA press release, the package includes 25 sets of AN/AAR-57 Common Missile Warning Systems, Common Infrared Countermeasures (CIRCM), and AN/APR-39E(V)2 Radar Warning Receivers.
Navigation and communication upgrades feature 50 EAGLE-M+429 embedded Global Positioning Systems and Inertial Navigation Systems, alongside 100 AN/ARC-231A radios. The authorization also includes 18 M240H machine guns. Lockheed Martin Corporation’s Sikorsky division in Stratford, Connecticut, will serve as the principal contractor. The DSCA noted that approximately 15 U.S. government and contractor representatives will travel to Norway to support equipment fielding and training.
Rebuilding Norway’s military helicopter operations
The UH-60M acquisition is part of a broader restructuring of Norway’s military helicopter operations following the collapse of its NHIndustries NH90 program. In June 2022, the Norwegian government terminated the NH90 contract and grounded the fleet, citing severe operational delays and low availability rates.
Since the NH90 cancellation, Norway has increasingly turned to U.S. manufacturers to fulfill its rotary-wing requirements. In addition to the newly approved Black Hawks, Norway initiated a plan in 2023 to purchase six Sikorsky MH-60R Seahawk helicopters for maritime operations.
AirPro News analysis
We view Norway’s pivot from the HH-60W to the UH-60M as a pragmatic alignment of procurement with geographic realities. While the HH-60W offers superior survivability in contested airspace, a fleet of only nine airframes would have severely limited operational availability across Norway’s extensive landmass. Securing 21 UH-60M airframes for a lower estimated maximum cost provides the Royal Norwegian Air Force with the necessary density to maintain continuous tactical mobility along NATO’s northern flank. Standardizing on the H-60 family for both land and maritime operations will likely yield long-term maintenance and training efficiencies.
Sources: U.S. Department of State
Photo Credit: Lockheed Martin
Defense & Military
T625 GÖKBEY Expands to Turkish Land Forces and Saudi Arabia
Turkish Aerospace Industries delivers GÖKBEY to Land Forces and signs a joint production MOU with Saudi Arabia in 2026.
Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAŞ) is accelerating the deployment of its T625 GÖKBEY utility helicopter, transitioning from initial deliveries to the General Command of the Gendarmerie into broader service with the Turkish Land Forces Command and international partners.
Following the delivery of the fourth GÖKBEY to the Gendarmerie on August 25, 2025, the manufacturer has expanded the platform’s operational footprint. A second production batch of 57 airframes, ordered in July 2025, is now feeding deliveries to multiple branches of the Turkish security apparatus, supporting the national objective of a fully independent defense industry.
Domestic fleet expansion
The GÖKBEY program, initiated on June 26, 2013, under a contract with the Presidency of Defence Industries (SSB), reached a steady production cadence throughout 2024 and 2025. The General Command of the Gendarmerie received its first unit on October 29, 2024, followed by subsequent deliveries in December 2024, January 14, 2025, and August 25, 2025.
In a press release marking the fourth delivery, Turkish Aerospace Industries highlighted the strategic intent behind the program:
Designed and manufactured with Turkish Aerospace’s national engineering capabilities, GÖKBEY continues to contribute to the vision of a fully independent defense industry by enhancing the operational power of our security forces.
The platform’s user base expanded on April 30, 2026, when the Turkish Land Forces Command received its first T625 GÖKBEY. According to reporting by Janes, this delivery is part of a larger 57-unit order intended for the national armed forces, gendarmerie, and coast guard. Turkish Aerospace Industries plans to deliver more than 20 helicopters to various domestic institutions by the end of 2026.
Civilian and parapublic applications are also advancing. Helis.com reported on April 6, 2026, that an air ambulance variant is nearing service entry. The Turkish Ministry of Health is expected to receive three of these specialized helicopters by late 2026.
Technical specifications and export agreements
The T625 GÖKBEY is a multi-role platform with a maximum take-off weight of 6,050 kilograms and a capacity for 12 passengers. A critical milestone for the program occurred on April 19, 2023, when the helicopter completed its first test flight powered by the domestically produced TEI-TS1400 turboshaft engine, developed by TUSAŞ Engine Industries (TEI).
The integration of a domestic powerplant has facilitated international marketing efforts. On February 10, 2026, Turkey and Saudi Arabia signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly produce the GÖKBEY helicopter in Saudi Arabia. Turkish Minute reported that this agreement marks the first major international industrial partnership for the platform.
AirPro News analysis
We view the T625 GÖKBEY program as a cornerstone of Türkiye’s strategy to eliminate reliance on foreign aerospace suppliers. The successful integration of the TEI-TS1400 engine is the most consequential technical achievement of the program. By removing foreign-sourced critical components, Turkish Aerospace Industries bypasses potential export controls and end-user restrictions that have historically complicated defense sales. The joint production memorandum with Saudi Arabia demonstrates the immediate commercial viability of this strategy, positioning the GÖKBEY as a competitive alternative in the global medium-utility helicopter market.
Sources: Turkish Aerospace Industries
Photo Credit: Turkish Aerospace Industries
Defense & Military
Boeing Wins $131B IDIQ Contract for F-15 Eagle Crest Program
Boeing secures a sole-source $131.23B IDIQ contract for F-15 Eagle Crest production, modernization, and sustainment through 2037.
The Boeing Co. has secured a sole-source indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity (IDIQ) contract with a ceiling of $131.23 billion to support the F-15 Eagle Crest program through the next decade.
Announced in a U.S. Department of War contract release on August 24, 2026, the agreement establishes a comprehensive framework for aircraft production, modernization, and sustainment of the F-15 Eagle Weapon System. The contract is designed to ensure operational readiness for the U.S. Air Force, the Air National Guard, and seven allied nations operating the platform.
Scope and timeline of the F-15 Eagle Crest contract
The IDIQ contracts covers a broad spectrum of lifecycle requirements for the F-15 fleet. According to the Department of War, the scope of work includes new aircraft production, systems integration, modernization, upgrades, and retrofits. Notably, the agreement also provisions for the establishment of organic depot maintenance capabilities, which will allow military operators to maintain critical weapon system capabilities internally.
Work will be performed at Boeing facilities in St. Louis, Missouri. The initial ordering period is set to conclude on August 24, 2031. The contract includes an option to extend this ordering period by five years to August 24, 2036, with all associated work expected to be completed by August 2037.
The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, based at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Ohio, is the contracting activity managing the award. At the time of the award, $343,740 in Fiscal 2026 research, development, test, and evaluation funds were obligated.
International reach and Foreign Military Sales
Beyond domestic U.S. military branches, the contract serves as the primary vehicle for international sustainment and procurement of the F-15 Eagle Crest. The Department of War confirmed that the contract involves Foreign Military Sales (FMS) to Japan, Israel, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, and Poland.
As a sole-source acquisition, the award cements Boeing as the exclusive provider for the platform’s comprehensive lifecycle needs across these global operators, streamlining the procurement process for allied nations seeking to upgrade or maintain their existing F-15 fleets.
AirPro News analysis
While a $131.23 billion ceiling is an exceptionally high figure, we note that IDIQ ceilings represent the maximum potential value of all orders placed over the contract’s lifespan, rather than a guaranteed payout. However, setting the ceiling this high signals the Department of War’s definitive commitment to operating the F-15 Eagle Weapon System well into the 2040s, operating in tandem with fifth- and sixth-generation tactical aircraft. The specific inclusion of funding to establish organic depot maintenance capabilities is a critical detail, indicating a strategic shift toward ensuring the Air Force can independently sustain the F-15 fleet in the later stages of its service life.
Sources: U.S. Department of War
Photo Credit: CENTAF News Team
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