General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) has entered into a strategic partnership with South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace to co-develop and produce the Gray Eagle Short Takeoff and Landing (GE STOL) drone. The agreement will see Hanwha supply key components such as engines, avionics, and landing gear optimized for operations in confined spaces, allowing the unmanned aerial system (UAS) to function effectively without requiring long runways.
As part of the collaboration, Hanwha Aerospace will establish a domestic production and assembly line to support manufacturing activities, while GA-ASI will handle system integration and continue producing other Gray Eagle variants in the United States. The initiative aims to accelerate the GE STOL’s development timeline, reduce manufacturing risk, and enhance bilateral cooperation between the US and South Korea in advanced defense technologies.
Both companies have highlighted that this collaboration will not only enhance the capabilities of the Gray Eagle platform but also contribute to South Korea’s vision of expanding its indigenous drone sector. According to Hanwha CEO Jae-il Son, the project will create high-skilled jobs and strengthen the country’s UAS ecosystem, leveraging Hanwha’s expertise in jet engines, radar, and avionics. A production-ready version of the aircraft is anticipated by 2027, with deliveries beginning in 2028.
The GE STOL is designed for high-endurance missions such as reconnaissance, target tracking, and integration with manned aircraft in multi-domain operations. Measuring 29 feet in length with a 52-foot wingspan, the drone can be airlifted by a UH-60 Black Hawk. Equipped with a Rolls-Royce M250 engine delivering 450 horsepower, it boasts a 25-hour endurance, 25,000-foot service ceiling, and can carry up to 16 Hellfire missiles. A prototype variant, the Mojave, has already conducted successful land and sea trials, including launches from South Korea’s ROKS Dokdo and the UK’s HMS Prince of Wales.
