General Atomics, Hanwha to Develop Gray Eagle Short-Range Takeoff Drone

Hanwha Aerospace has signed a joint development contract with U.S.-based General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc. (GA-ASI) to co-develop the Gray Eagle-STOL (GE-STOL) unmanned aerial vehicle.

The agreement was announced on October 14 at the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) defense exhibition in Washington.

Under the deal, both firms will build a GE-STOL demonstrator, conduct its first flight in 2027, and begin deliveries in 2028. Hanwha Aerospace will provide the engine, landing gear, and fuel systems, while Hanwha Systems will supply avionics and mission equipment. Production will be split 7:3 between Hanwha and GA-ASI, with Hanwha establishing a domestic assembly line as part of its 750 billion won ($545 million) investment in the UAV sector.

The GE-STOL, derived from the existing Gray Eagle, can take off and land on runways of about 100 meters, enabling operation from ship decks, beaches, and open fields. It can carry 16 Hellfire missiles and perform missions including electronic warfare, anti-drone, and anti-submarine operations. Last November, it completed a takeoff test from South Korea’s Navy ship Dokdo.

GA-ASI projects demand for GE-STOL worth 15 trillion won ($13.5 billion) over the next decade. The company’s UAVs are in service with the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia.