GE-STOL UAV's short take-off capability allows 100-meter runway operation, expanding military deployment

Hanwha Aerospace announced on the 15th that it signed a joint development contract with global unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) specialist GA-ASI (General Atomics Aeronautical Systems Inc.) for the short take-off and landing (STOL) UAV 'Gray Eagle-STOL (GE-STOL)' at the U.S. Army Association (AUSA) defense exhibition held in Washington, D.C. on the 14th (local time).

Under the contract, the two companies will develop one GE-STOL demonstrator, conduct its first flight in early 2027, and deliver the first unit to the purchasing country in 2028. Hanwha Aerospace will supply engines, landing gear, fuel systems, and establish domestic facilities for airframe assembly and production. Hanwha Systems will provide avionics and mission equipment.

Hanwha Aerospace previously stated it would invest over 750 billion Korean won, including 300 billion Korean won secured through a paid-in capital increase in April for UAV system and engine development, as well as facility construction.

The GE-STOL adds short take-off and landing capabilities to the existing Gray Eagle. Unlike similar UAVs that require runways of 1 km or longer, it can operate on runways as short as approximately 100 m, enabling deployment on environments such as ship decks with limited space, open fields, beaches, and parking lots. In November of last year, it underwent a take-off test on the deck of the Dokdo-class landing ship, a smaller vessel than typical aircraft carriers operated by the Republic of Korea Navy.

It can carry 16 Hellfire missiles and perform anti-UAV operations, electronic warfare, and anti-submarine warfare.

GA-ASI predicts demand from purchasing countries for the GE-STOL will reach 15 trillion Korean won over the next decade. Currently, NATO allies such as the U.S. and the U.K., Japan, and Australia operate GA-ASI's UAVs, and the U.S. Forces Korea also deploys the Gray Eagle UAV. If the South Korean military adopts the GE-STOL, it is expected to contribute to ROK-U.S. combined operations.

Son Jae-il, representative of Hanwha Aerospace, stated, "By jointly producing the GE-STOL, South Korea and the U.S. will create related jobs and strengthen the aviation industry ecosystem." He added, "Hanwha is prepared to leap forward as a comprehensive unmanned aerial enterprise, leveraging its technological capabilities spanning fighter engine, radar, and avionics systems."

Hanwha Aerospace, GA-ASI Develop STOL UAV for Short Runways