Hanwha Aerospace Teams Up With GA-ASI to Advance Military Drone Technology
Hanwha Aerospace is venturing into the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems sector, anticipated to be a significant disruptor on forthcoming battlegrounds. As rivalry intensifies for the creation of AI-driven drones, the firm intends to aggressively invest in advanced defense technology.
On April 2, Hanwha Aerospace declared a collaboration with American unmanned aircraft producer General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI). The aim of this partnership is to co-develop the Grey Eagle (GE)-STOL, which is designed for short take-offs and landings.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) are predominantly utilized for military applications including surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat operations. These vehicles are significantly bigger compared to the consumer drones typically observed in common scenarios and can accommodate more than 1000 kilograms of gear or armaments.
GA-ASI develops and produces unmanned aerial vehicles like the MQ-1 Predator and MQ-9 Reaper, along with radar systems for the U.S. military and allied nations including the UK, Japan, and Australia.
This partnership between Hanwha and GA-ASI will encompass all stages of UAV development, from initial planning and design through system integration, manufacturing, deployment, and market distribution. In August of last year, Kim Dong-kwan, who serves as both the vice chairman of Hanwha Group and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace, met with leaders at GA-ASI in San Diego to explore a possible collaborative effort.
The drones from the GE-STOL project being developed by these two firms will require only a few hundred meters for take-offs and landings, rendering them ideal for confined spaces like small runways, naval vessel decks, and unprepared terrains. This innovative unmanned aircraft can transport loads weighing up to 1.6 metric tons, enabling various operations ranging from surveillance to military engagements.
Both firms intend to commence test flights by 2027 and seek out commercial prospects across the United States, the Middle East, Asia, and Europe. Hanwha Aerospace anticipates investing more than 750 billion won ($510 million) for developing the drone systems, propulsion units, and requisite infrastructure. Additionally, the corporation plans to utilize approximately 300 billion won obtained through an imminent share sale toward advancing their unmanned aerial vehicle operations.
According to forecasts from GA-ASI, over the coming ten years, demand may drive the sale of more than 600 GE-STOL units, which would equate to approximately 15 trillion won in export revenue, encompassing both direct sales and other channels.
"Ensuring drone capabilities is crucial for the future of South Korea’s self-defense and enhancing the country’s defense industry," stated Kim Dong-kwan.