The agreement involves the production of aircraft for both the South Korean military and international customers, including the United States. The collaboration, announced during the annual Association of the United States Army (AUSA) symposium, represents a strategic advancement in defense cooperation between the two countries and expands South Korea’s role in the global drone industry.
Il Gray Eagle STOL it is an evolved version of the MQ-1C Gray Eagledesigned to operate in remote locations and on improvised runways, such as dirt roads and beaches, as well as on large warships. Able to take off with little infrastructure and carry weapons such as Hellfire missiles, the drone will be able to perform surveillance, reconnaissance and attack missions, as well as work in synergy with manned helicopters. The first flight of the production model is scheduled for 2027, with deliveries starting the following year.
According to the companies, the project will generate jobs, strengthen Korea’s unmanned systems industry and reduce production costs. The Gray Eagle STOL it will also be equipped with advanced technologies, including long-range radar and navigation systems resistant to electronic interference.
With these capabilities, the new drone should become a valuable tool in expeditionary operations and possible high-intensity conflicts, particularly in the strategic Pacific area.
Source: The War Zone | Photo: X @GenAtomics_ASI | This content was created with the help of AI and has been 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: pic.twitter.com/tdXIps7q2G
— General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc (GA-ASI) (@GenAtomics_ASI) December 2, 2024
