General Atomics Aeronautical Systems and Hanwha Aerospace have completed what the companies describe as the first flight operations from a simulated battlefield by a medium-altitude, long-endurance uncrewed aircraft. The GA-ASI Mojave UAS demonstrated its Short Takeoff and Landing capability by landing on a rough maneuver trail at a Republic of Korea Army live-fire training area before taking off again and continuing its mission.
The demonstration took place in Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, during the Defense Drone Technology Exhibition and involved operations between the ROK Army 513th Aviation Battalion and the Seungjin Training Field.
GA-ASI Mojave UAS Demonstrates Battlefield STOL Operations
The Mojave STOL demonstrator began the mission by taking off from a conventional runway at the ROK Army 513th Aviation Battalion.
Pilots operating from ground control stations then flew the aircraft to the Seungjin Training Field, where Mojave joined air operations before landing on a rough maneuver trail primarily used by ROK Army tanks and artillery vehicles.
The aircraft subsequently took off from the training area, resumed flight operations and returned to the ROK Army 513th Aviation Battalion.
“This demonstration showcased Mojave’s ability to perform tactical missions that are representative of real battlefield requirements and challenges,” said GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue.
“Whether the user needs contested and austere battlefield operations, ISR, weapons delivery, Air-Launched Effects deployment, troop resupply, counter-UAS, or missions requiring short and unimproved roads for takeoff, our aircraft answer the bell.”
Mojave Operates from Austere Training Environment
The demonstration was designed to highlight the aircraft’s ability to operate with a short runway in an austere environment.
Mojave was configured with dual weapon rails and inert payloads during the exercise.
According to GA-ASI, the concept of operations was intended to demonstrate how STOL capabilities could support operational flexibility, survivability and responsiveness for future Republic of Korea defense applications.
The company said that during an actual combat operation, soldiers could potentially refuel and re-arm Mojave while the aircraft was on the ground at the range.
Mojave STOL Supports Multiple Tactical Missions
GA-ASI identified several potential mission applications for the Mojave STOL platform, including:
- Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance
- Weapons delivery
- Air-Launched Effects deployment
- Troop resupply
- Counter-UAS operations
- Contested and austere battlefield operations
- Operations using short and unimproved roads
The aircraft’s short-field capability is intended to allow operations from locations without conventional runway infrastructure.
“This demonstration marks an important milestone in delivering tangible results through the partnership between Hanwha and GA-ASI,” said Buhwan Lee, CEO nominee of Hanwha Aerospace.
“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 Advance STOL UAS Partnership
GA-ASI announced in 2025 that it was partnering with Hanwha to co-develop and co-produce unmanned aircraft with STOL capabilities.
The partnership is targeting customers including:
- Republic of Korea Ministry of National Defense
- United States Department of War
- Other international customers
A Critical Design Review for a production Mojave STOL is expected in November 2026.
The first flight of the production aircraft is planned for 2027.
Mojave Heads to Hanwha Industry Day
Following the battlefield demonstration, the Mojave STOL demonstrator is scheduled to travel to Changwon for display during Hanwha’s Industry Day on September 21.
The event will include Republic of Korea suppliers, with many expected to contribute to Mojave STOL production.
The GA-ASI Mojave UAS demonstration showed the aircraft taking off from a conventional runway, landing and relaunching from a rough military maneuver trail, and returning to its original operating location as GA-ASI and Hanwha continue development toward a production STOL unmanned aircraft.
Source: Press release from General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc.
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