SAN DIEGO– General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has announced a new partnership with South Korea-based Hanwha Aerospace to develop a short takeoff and landing (STOL) version of the Gray Eagle unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).
According to General Atomics, a self-funded prototype has already flown successfully, demonstrating that the company can rapidly move from concept to operational development.
Joint Development Details
Under the partnership, General Atomics and Hanwha Aerospace will co-invest in the STOL Gray Eagle program and establish development and production capabilities in South Korea.
The agreement, signed on Tuesday, marks a major step toward expanding the operational capabilities of the combat-proven Gray Eagle family.
The companies plan to conduct the aircraft’s first flight in 2027, followed by customer deliveries beginning as early as 2028, reported Defense News.
David Alexander, President of General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, said both companies are committed to leveraging their combined expertise to deliver the new system efficiently.
He emphasized that this collaboration supports both U.S. and South Korean defense modernization goals.
The drone’s design also aligns with increasing global demand for unmanned systems capable of operating in contested environments and austere locations.
Manufacturing in South Korea
Unlike other Gray Eagle models, which are built at General Atomics’ facilities in San Diego, California, the new STOL version will be produced at a new plant in South Korea.
General Atomics will handle the final integration process, while Hanwha Aerospace will play a major role in local production and supply chain operations.
The decision to base manufacturing in South Korea aims to reduce costs and enhance regional defense industry cooperation. It also reflects the growing strategic partnership between the two nations in advanced aerospace technologies.
General Atomics expects the STOL Gray Eagle to attract interest from a broad range of defense customers, including the U.S. Army and the Republic of Korea Armed Forces.
Its ability to operate from short or rough airstrips will appeal to militaries seeking high-endurance UAVs that require minimal logistical support.
Operational Capabilities
The STOL Gray Eagle will be designed to take off and land from semi-prepared or improvised surfaces such as dirt roads, beaches, and parking lots.
This capability will allow militaries to deploy the drone in remote areas with minimal infrastructure.
General Atomics said the new configuration will enhance the drone’s value for missions including intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance, and target acquisition (ISR), as well as counter-drone operations in forward-deployed environments.
Bottom Line
The partnership between General Atomics and Hanwha Aerospace underscores the global evolution of unmanned aviation.
With short takeoff and landing capability, the next-generation Gray Eagle will expand operational flexibility for both U.S. and allied militaries.
As production ramps up in South Korea, the STOL Gray Eagle could redefine how tactical drones are deployed in forward operating theaters worldwide.
Stay tuned with us. Further, follow us on social media for the latest updates.
Join us on Telegram Group for the Latest Aviation Updates. Subsequently, follow us on Google News
