General Atomics' Gray Eagle STOL Achieves First Takeoff from South Korean Warship

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. (GA-ASI) conducted a test flight of its Gray Eagle STOL unmanned aircraft on November 12, 2024, launching it from the South Korean Navy’s amphibious landing ship, Dokdo, near Pohang.

The Gray Eagle STOL flew to Pohang Navy Airfield, marking the first instance of such an aircraft taking off from a South Korean warship.

In partnership with Hanwha Aerospace, GA-ASI aims to demonstrate the Gray Eagle STOL’s capabilities for naval operations. The unmanned aircraft, designed for short takeoffs and landings, can operate from large-deck ships, including amphibious assault ships and aircraft carriers, and land on short or unimproved airfields.

South Korea’s Ministry of National Defense is evaluating the aircraft to explore its integration with existing platforms. Senior defense officials, including Chief of Naval Operations Admiral Yang Yong-mo, observed the test flight to assess how the Gray Eagle STOL could enhance South Korea's maritime capabilities.

This Gray Eagle STOL test follows a similar demonstration in 2023 on the U.K. Royal Navy’s HMS Prince of Wales. Hanwha Aerospace, GA-ASI's South Korean partner, supports the project, seeing it as an opportunity to strengthen South Korea’s multi-domain defense capabilities through advanced UAV technology.