Hanwha Aerospace plans to invest 750 billion won ($511 million) in a new partnership with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. to develop and produce unmanned aircraft systems for the global defense market.
The collaboration follows a successful November 2024 demonstration when the companies launched a GA-ASI MQ-1C Gray Eagle STOL (short take-off and landing) drone from a South Korean Navy ship off the coast of Pohang demonstrating the system’s ability to operate from various aircraft-capable naval platforms without requiring a catapult or arresting gear.
Hanwha Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan called unmanned systems “a strategic pillar for the future of defense,” saying the partnership would strengthen sovereign defense capabilities while expanding Korea’s global market presence. GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue, who supervised the demonstration, said the test flight was “well-received by the Republic of Korea Navy.”
The companies aim to achieve first flight in early 2027 and expand to global markets thereafter. With a payload capacity of 1.6 tons, the Gray Eagle STOL can perform various missions including reconnaissance and attack operations.
The global unmanned aircraft systems market is projected to reach 5 trillion won by 2040, according to Hanwha. The South Korean firm plans to create jobs by recruiting talent in relevant fields and develop a domestic UAS industry ecosystem by identifying local suppliers.
