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Photo = Hanwha Aerospace |
[Alpha Biz= Paul Lee] Hanwha is entering the drone system business, proactively focusing on future defense technologies and plans to enter the global drone market, which is expected to reach 50 trillion KRW by 2040.
On April 2, Hanwha Aerospace announced its collaboration with global drone specialist company, General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI), to co-develop the short takeoff and landing unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) "Gray Eagle-STOL (GE-STOL)."
The two companies will establish a partnership that covers the entire lifecycle of the UAV, including planning, design, development, system integration, production, operations, and sales.
The GE-STOL, which will be co-developed by the two companies, is characterized by its ability to operate in limited environments such as rugged terrain without runways, as its takeoff and landing distance is only a few hundred meters. It can carry a payload of 1.6 tons, making it capable of performing a wide range of missions, including reconnaissance and attack, depending on the equipment.
The two companies plan to advance their global business in the U.S., Middle East, Asia, and Europe, aiming for the first flight of GE-STOL in 2027.
A demand survey of countries operating GA-ASI UAV products predicts a demand for over 600 GE-STOL units in the next 10 years. This is expected to correspond to a 15 trillion KRW export volume, not including the basic purchase orders.
Hanwha Aerospace estimates that over 7.5 trillion KRW will be required for UAV system and engine development, infrastructure construction, and other related activities. As part of this, the company plans to invest 3 billion KRW from funds recently raised through a rights offering into its drone-related business.
Hanwha Aerospace also plans to establish research, development, and production infrastructure in Korea for the development and production of GE-STOL.
Alphabiz Reporter Paul Lee(hoondork1977@alphabiz.co.kr)
