South Korean company Hanwha Aerospace and General Atomics Aeronautical Systems ( GA-ASI ) have partnered to collaborate in the development and production of unmanned aircraft systems ( UAS ), primarily for the defense sector.
The collaboration between Hanwha Aerospace and GA-ASI
The start of this partnership was formalized after a successful flight demonstration on November 12, 2024, which showcased the capabilities of the MQ-1C Gray Eagle STOL UAS system operating from the amphibious landing ship ROKS Dokdo , off the coast of Pohang, South Korea.
Through our collaboration with GA-ASI, we seek to strengthen sovereign defense capabilities, expand Korea’s presence in the global UAS market, and contribute to a stronger ROK-U.S. alliance.
Dong Kwan Kim, vice president of Hanwha Group.
This demonstration was important because it highlighted the Gray Eagle STOL ‘s potential to operate on multiple maritime platforms , opening up new possibilities for multi-domain operations between the United States and other countries.
With a $517 million investment plan, Hanwha Aerospace aims to build development and production facilities in South Korea, in collaboration with GA-ASI in the United States.
Both companies are targeting a first flight by early 2027 , creating highly skilled jobs and developing a national UAS industry ecosystem in South Korea, while expanding their reach into global markets.
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Source and photo: Hanwha
