GA-ASI and Hanwha Partner for Gray Eagle STOL UAS Production

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

• GA-ASI and Hanwha Finalize Deal To Produce Gray Eagle STOL UAS