General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) and South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace have signed a strategic agreement to co-develop and co-produce the Gray Eagle® Short Takeoff and Landing (GE STOL) unmanned aircraft system (UAS), setting a new standard for next-generation, runway-independent drone operations.
The partnership will see both companies collaborate on design, production, and delivery of the GE STOL for global defense customers, including the Republic of Korea Ministry of Defense and the U.S. Department of Defense. The maiden flight is scheduled for 2027, with first deliveries anticipated in 2028.
Redefining Operational Flexibility
The GE STOL builds on the proven Gray Eagle platform, offering medium-altitude, long-endurance (MALE) performance with the added advantage of runway independence. The system can operate from semi-improved surfaces such as dirt roads, beaches, and open fields—dramatically increasing deployment options for reconnaissance, surveillance, and target acquisition (RSTA) missions, as well as counter-UAS and manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) operations.
“GA-ASI and Hanwha are committed to investing in this project and building development and production capabilities in South Korea,” said David R. Alexander, President of GA-ASI. “We’ll be leveraging the expertise of both companies to quickly bring the Gray Eagle STOL to global customers.”
Accelerated Development Through Proven Technology
GA-ASI’s Mojave demonstrator aircraft has already validated key technologies for the GE STOL, completing several groundbreaking operations:
- Launch and recovery aboard South Korea’s ROKS Dokdo (LPH-6111) while underway off the coast of Pohang (2024).
- Carrier operations from the HMS Prince of Wales (2023).
- Live-fire testing at Yuma Proving Ground, Arizona (2024).
- Dirt strip operations proving takeoff and landing versatility (2023).
These achievements underscore the program’s maturity and reduced development risk, accelerating the transition from prototype to production.
Building South Korea’s Aerospace Ecosystem
Under the agreement, a new production facility will be established in South Korea for local assembly and manufacturing, while GA-ASI will handle final integration in San Diego. This initiative will not only advance global UAS innovation but also stimulate South Korea’s aerospace economy.
“Jointly producing GE STOL in South Korea and the U.S. will create jobs and help Hanwha secure talent in related fields,” said Mr. Jae-il Son, President and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace. “Hanwha is poised to become a comprehensive UAS company capable of executing everything from design to production and maintenance.”
A Strategic Investment in the Future of UAS
The GE STOL initiative reflects both companies’ forward-leaning strategy: investing ahead of customer demand, reducing lifecycle costs through international cost-sharing, and ensuring rapid delivery of advanced unmanned systems.
Together, GA-ASI and Hanwha Aerospace are redefining what’s possible in unmanned aviation — delivering a low-risk, innovation-driven solution that provides commanders with unmatched flexibility for the modern battlespace.