GA-ASI and Hanwha complete Mojave STOL battlefield flight tests

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI) and Hanwha Aerospace have successfully completed the first flight operations from a simulated battlefield by a medium-altitude, long-endurance uncrewed aircraft. The Mojave Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) aircraft demonstrated its ability to land at a tank and artillery live-fire range under simulated combat conditions and subsequently take off to continue its mission.

The demonstration, held during the Defense Drone Technology Exhibition north of Seoul, showcased the aircraft's capacity to operate from austere environments and short, unimproved runways. Configured with dual weapon rails and inert payloads, the Mojave STOL was tested to illustrate how such capabilities can enhance operational flexibility, survivability, and responsiveness for future defense applications.

According to GA-ASI CEO Linden Blue, the demonstration proved the aircraft can handle various tactical requirements, including ISR, weapons delivery, troop resupply, and counter-UAS missions in contested environments. Hanwha Aerospace intends to continue working with the Republic of Korea defense industry to develop unmanned systems for future operating environments.