Hanwha Aerospace and GA-ASI join forces to co-develop UAVs
The Gray Eagle STOL taking off from the ROKS Dokdo in November 2024. (Photo: GA-ASI)
Hanwha Aerospace revealed plans to enter the uncrewed aerial systems (UAS) market, as it announced a US$510 million partnership with US firm General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) on 2 April.
Together, the companies will work to co-develop and manufacture the Gray Eagle short take-off and landing (STOL) UAS for the global defence market.
Hanwha Group sees the UAV market as “a strategic pillar for the future of defence” and with its investment, intends to cover the entire lifecycle of the UAS, from planning, through design and development, to production, integration and sales.
According to Hanwha, this partnership will build on
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Air Warfare
-
What does the FY2027 US budget signal for the country’s future airpower plans?
The record-breaking defence budget request focuses on bolstering some core next-generation aircraft programmes across each domain, although questions remain on the US's commitment to some key defence programmes.
-
Can UK interceptor efforts keep pace with the rising drone threat?
The recent acquisition announcement for Cambridge Aerospace’s Skyhammer solution is a key step in the UK’s efforts to bolster its counter-UAS capabilities, but more still needs to be done to tackle even smaller drone threats.
-
Saab Gripen E/F: the multirole fighter that’s seeing a resurgence (updated 2026)
The single-engine multirole fighter jet is seeing heightened demand with a sizeable orderbook and expanding export potential, as Shephard summarises the aircraft’s latest orders and developments.
-
France earmarks further $11.6 billion for missiles and drones amid rearmament push
The revised funding allocation will see up to 23% of the additional budget put towards stockpiles of munitions, with the country’s GDP spending expected to reach 2.5% by 2030.