General Atomics Aeronautical Systems has formed a partnership with South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace to develop and manufacture the Gray Eagle STOL (Short Takeoff and Landing) drone in South Korea.
The agreement calls for the production of aircraft intended for both the South Korean Armed Forces and international customers, including the United States. The collaboration, announced during the U.S. Army Association’s (AUSA) annual symposium, represents a strategic advancement in defense cooperation between the two countries and expands South Korea’s role in the global drone industry.
The Gray Eagle STOL is an evolution of the MQ-1C Gray Eagle, designed to operate in remote locations and on improvised runways, such as dirt roads and beaches, as well as large warships. Capable of taking off with minimal infrastructure and carrying weaponry like Hellfire missiles, the drone will conduct surveillance, reconnaissance, and strike missions, and operate in conjunction with manned helicopters. The first flight of the production model is scheduled for 2027, with deliveries expected to begin the following year.
According to the companies, the project will generate jobs, strengthen the South Korean unmanned systems industry, and reduce production costs. The Gray Eagle STOL will also be equipped with advanced technologies, including long-range radar and navigation systems resistant to electronic interference.
With these capabilities, the new drone is expected to become a valuable asset for expeditionary operations and potential high-intensity conflicts, especially in the Pacific strategic theater.
Source: The War Zone | Photo: X @GenAtomics_ASI | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
Gray Eagle STOL – which stands for short takeoff and landing – is the only medium-altitude, long-endurance aircraft in its class with the ability to operate from large-deck warships.
Learn about our recent demo with the South Korean Navy: https://t.co/RyQrXbAb9y pic.twitter.com/tdXIps7q2G
— General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc (GA-ASI) (@GenAtomics_ASI) December 2, 2024
