Description
The U.S.-developed Mojave STOL combat drone is designed to operate without conventional runways while carrying up to 16 AGM-114 Hellfire missiles. At AUSA 2026 in Washington, DefenseWebTV speaks exclusively with Matt Petraitis, Senior Manager of U.S. Army Programs at General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI), about the aircraft's battlefield capabilities, recent flight demonstrations in South Korea, and plans for a production version developed with Hanwha Aerospace.
In September 2026, the Mojave STOL demonstrated its ability to land and take off from a rough military route normally used by tanks and artillery vehicles at South Korea's Seungjin Training Field. The unmanned aircraft completed its takeoff in less than 200 meters, demonstrating how armed reconnaissance drones could support ground forces from improvised operating locations without relying on traditional airbases.
During this exclusive interview, General Atomics discusses the Mojave's 3,000-pound payload capacity, its ability to carry precision-guided weapons, and its low-altitude terrain-following flight demonstration. The company also reviews previous trials aboard the British aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales and South Korea's ROKS Dokdo, as well as live-fire tests involving Dillon Aero Miniguns.
A major focus is the partnership between General Atomics and South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace to develop and produce a STOL unmanned aircraft for U.S. and allied military requirements. According to Matt Petraitis, the program is targeting a critical design review in November 2026, a first production-configuration flight in September 2027, and potential deliveries to the U.S. Army for experimentation in 2028.
Could the Mojave STOL change how armed drones support military forces operating far from conventional airbases?
Watch our exclusive interview from AUSA 2026 to learn more.
Read more on Army Recognition: https://www.armyrecognition.com/archives/archives-defense-exhibitions/2026-archives-news-defense-exhibitions/ausa-2026-news/ga-asi-demonstrates-new-mojave-armed-drone-operating-from-rough-battlefield-terrain-in-south-korea
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