General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) and Hanwha Aerospace have completed flight operations demonstrating the short takeoff and landing (STOL) capability of the Mojave uncrewed aircraft system (UAS) in South Korea.
The demonstration involved the Mojave landing on a rough manoeuvre trail at the Seungjin Training Field in Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, before taking off again and returning to its operating base.
The aircraft was controlled from ground control stations and operated between the ROK Army 513th Aviation Battalion and the training field. The demonstration was designed to evaluate the aircraft’s ability to operate from a short and unimproved landing area rather than a conventional runway.
Mojave took off from the runway at the 513th Aviation Battalion, flew to the training field, and joined the air operations before landing on a trail normally used by Army tanks and artillery vehicles. After landing, the aircraft took off again and continued the mission before returning to the battalion.
The aircraft was configured with dual weapon rails and inert payloads for the demonstration. The operation also provided an opportunity to evaluate ground handling and aircraft recovery from an austere operating location.
GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue said, “This demonstration showcased Mojave’s ability to perform tactical missions that are representative of real battlefield requirements and challenges.”
Hanwha Aerospace CEO nominee Buhwan Lee said, “This demonstration marks an important milestone in delivering tangible results through the partnership between Hanwha and GA-ASI. Going forward, we will work closely with the ROK defense industry to develop unmanned systems designed for future operating environments and expand our presence in global markets.”
GA-ASI and Hanwha announced their partnership in 2025 to co-develop and co-produce UAS with STOL capability. The programme is intended to support customers including the Republic of Korea Ministry of National Defense and other international operators.
The production Mojave STOL is expected to enter Critical Design Review (CDR) in November 2026, with first flight planned for 2027.
The demonstrator will subsequently be displayed at Hanwha’s Industry Day in Changwon on September 21, where South Korean suppliers involved in the planned production programme will participate.
The demonstration provides flight and ground-operational data for the development of the production STOL configuration, including operations from short and unimproved surfaces and the associated aircraft handling requirements.
