Hanwha Aerospace enters unmanned aircraft systems market with US military contractor

Hanwha Aerospace has partnered with General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI), a military contractor, to develop and produce unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) for the global defense market.

Hanwha Group Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan, left, poses with GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue during his visit to the headquarters of GA-ASI in San Diego in this August 2024 photo. Courtesy of Hanwha Aerospace

GA-ASI is a global leader in UAS, renowned for its long-endurance, multi-mission platforms such as the MQ-9 Reaper and Gray Eagle.

The collaboration marks a strategic move by Hanwha to expand its presence in the UAS sector and strengthen defense capabilities in Korea and beyond.

The partnership follows a successful flight demonstration in 2024, where the companies tested the Gray Eagle's short takeoff and landing (STOL) from the Republic of Korea Navy’s amphibious landing ship, the ROKS Dokdo, while underway near Pohang. This test showcased the aircraft’s ability to operate from a variety of ship-based platforms, demonstrating new opportunities for multi-domain operations among U.S. and allied forces.

“Unmanned systems are a strategic pillar for the future of defense,” Hanwha Group Vice Chairman Kim Dong-kwan said. “Through our collaboration with GA-ASI, we aim to enhance sovereign defense capabilities, expand Korea’s role in the global UAS market and strengthen the ROK-U.S. alliance.”

GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue said, “We are excited to deepen our partnership with Hanwha. Our Gray Eagle STOL test flight received positive feedback from the Republic of Korea Navy, and we recognize Hanwha’s commitment to growing a robust UAS business in both Korea and the United States.”

With this agreement, Hanwha Aerospace is positioning itself in a UAS market projected to reach 5 trillion won ($3.4 billion) by 2040. The company plans to invest over 750 billion won in research, development and production facilities for Gray Eagle STOL and UAS engines. These investments will support infrastructure growth in both Korea and the U.S.

As part of its expansion strategy, Hanwha intends to create jobs by recruiting skilled professionals and fostering a domestic UAS industry ecosystem. The company aims to collaborate with local component and material suppliers to strengthen the supply chain.

The first flight of the Gray Eagle STOL under this partnership is targeted for early 2027, with plans to expand into global markets.

The Gray Eagle STOL is the only medium-altitude, long-endurance aircraft capable of operating from warships equipped with flight decks without requiring catapults or arresting gear. It can also take off and land from unconventional surfaces such as roads, beaches, and parking lots. With a payload capacity of 1.6 tons, the aircraft is versatile, supporting a range of missions, including reconnaissance and attack operations, based on its equipment configuration.