SEOUL/WASHINGTON D.C. – South Korea’s Hanwha Group is moving aggressively to secure the future of K-defense for the next three decades, simultaneously unveiling a revolutionary naval vessel and signing a major deal for a compact, short takeoff and landing (STOL) drone. The strategy centers on "compact size, maximized performance" to meet the demands of modern warfare and global export markets.
Hanwha Ocean Redefines Naval Warfare with Next-Gen Strategic Surface Combatant
Hanwha Ocean debuted its "Next-Generation Strategic Surface Combatant" at the 3rd Next-Generation Smart Warship Technology Forum in Seoul on October 14. This new warship is designed to be a flagship product for K-marine defense for the next 20 to 30 years, emphasizing efficiency and lethality.
The vessel’s most striking feature is its compact design paired with powerful combat capabilities. By integrating an AI Smart Bridge, Hanwha has managed to reduce the required crew size by approximately 30%, from over 100 personnel to around 70. This optimization aligns with the contemporary trend of minimizing operational manpower while maximizing performance.
"This is not just a showcase of technology, but a desperate outcome born from the need for survival," stated Eo Seong-cheol, President of Hanwha Ocean’s Naval Ship Business Unit.
The combatant incorporates advanced hull designs, including a Wave-Piercing Bow for rough seas and a Tumblehome Hull (a reverse-sloped structure like the US Navy’s Zumwalt-class destroyer) to significantly enhance stealth performance. It is also designed for integrated operation with unmanned assets (UAVs, USVs) and features multi-layered defense systems and ballistic protection using Giga-grade ultra-high-strength steel. Hanwha Ocean expects to finalize the basic design this year, with construction plans to follow market demand.
Hanwha Aerospace, GA-ASI Partner on Game-Changing STOL Drone
On the same day, Hanwha Aerospace leveraged its presence at the Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) exhibition in Washington D.C. to secure a joint development contract with global unmanned aerial system (UAS) leader General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI). The collaboration focuses on the Gray Eagle-STOL (GE-STOL).
The GE-STOL is an enhanced version of the existing Gray Eagle, engineered for short takeoff and landing, requiring only about 100 meters of runway—a significant reduction from the 1 km typically needed by comparable drones. This capability dramatically expands its operational flexibility in diverse, austere environments. The GE-STOL can carry up to 16 Hellfire missiles and execute anti-drone, electronic warfare, and anti-submarine missions.
Hanwha Aerospace will contribute key components, including the engine, landing gear, and fuel systems, while Hanwha Systems will handle avionics and mission equipment. The first demonstration aircraft is scheduled for its maiden flight in 2027, with deliveries beginning in 2028. GA-ASI projects a market demand for GE-STOL to reach 15 trillion KRW (approximately $10.9 billion USD) over the next decade.
In a move reinforcing its commitment to unmanned systems, Hanwha Aerospace announced a plan to invest 750 billion KRW (approximately $547 million USD) into its drone business, part of which will fund the GE-STOL development.
Further underscoring its global reach, Hanwha Aerospace also signed a three-year, 150 billion KRW (approximately $109 million USD) contract with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) to supply 155mm Modular Charge Systems (MCS), marking its second major export of the product to the Nordic region. The company intends to use this momentum to push for further exports of its K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer and Chunmoo Multiple Launch Rocket System in Northern Europe.
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