LIG Defense & Aerospace

A leading South Korean defense company that develops and produces advanced national defense technologies such as guided weapons, radars, and electronic warfare systems.

LIG Defense & Aerospace

Overview

LIG Defense & Aerospace (LIG 디펜스&에어로스페이스, formerly LIG Nex1) is a major South Korean defense company that conducts research, development, and production in advanced national defense technology fields, including guided weapons, precision strike systems, radars, electronic warfare equipment, and avionics systems. It began as GoldStar Precision Industries in 1976, passed through the LG Group, and became independent as LIG Nex1 in 2007, subsequently expanding its position in domestic and international defense markets. Recently, it has been actively pursuing new businesses such as space, unmanned systems, and AI-based combat systems to respond to future battlefield environments.

Main Content

Company History

1976: Founded as GoldStar Precision Industries, Ltd., beginning production of military supplies
Early 2000s: Transitioned from LG Precision to the LIG Group, becoming a specialized defense company
2007: Changed its corporate name to LIG Nex1 Co., Ltd., expanding into guided weapons and surveillance/reconnaissance businesses
2023–2024: Rebranded as 'LIG Defense & Aerospace', focusing investment on space and manned-unmanned teaming systems as new growth engines

Major Business Areas

Guided Weapons and Precision Strike

LIG Defense & Aerospace is a core company in domestic guided weapons development, producing surface-to-surface, ship-to-surface, and air-to-surface missiles, anti-tank rockets, and medium-range surface-to-air guided weapons. Representative products include the detection and engagement radar and fire control system supplied for the Korean surface-to-air guided weapon 'Cheongung-II', and it has participated in the development of the long-range surface-to-air guided weapon (L-SAM). It also develops core components for the ship-to-ship guided missile 'Haeseong' series and the anti-submarine guided missile 'Hong Sang-eo'.

Radar and Surveillance/Reconnaissance

The company possesses a diverse radar product line, including X-band multi-function phased array (AESA) radar, fire control radar, and jamming/electronic protection technologies. It is also developing AESA radar for aircraft and SAR (synthetic aperture radar) for small UAVs. Ground-based low-altitude detection systems and GNSS anti-jamming systems are also major achievements.

Unmanned Systems and Future Combat Systems

Recently, large-scale investments have been made in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T), and AI-based autonomous flight technologies. In particular, the company has internalized the control stations, data links, and mission equipment essential for its self-developed small UAVs and drone-bot combat systems. Based on its capabilities in engagement simulation and ultra-fast response software, it is leading the intelligentization of the 'Korean combat system'.

R&D and Production Capabilities

The company operates research institutes and factories in Guri and Pangyo (Gyeonggi Province), Daejeon, and Changwon, where more than 3,000 researchers develop advanced defense technologies. Approximately 15% of annual revenue is reinvested in R&D, with collaboration with national research institutions such as the Agency for Defense Development (ADD). Recently, it established a smart defense research center incorporating AI, big data, and digital twin technologies.

Domestic and International Cooperation and Exports

As a leading K-defense company, it has exported surface-to-air guided weapons and radars to Poland, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, and other countries. It also participates in global supply chains through technology cooperation with the United States, Israel, and others. Its strategy involves expanding the defense ecosystem through the establishment of local joint ventures and the export of technology transfer packages.

Latest Trends (2024–2025)

Since 2024, LIG Defense & Aerospace has been reorganizing its business portfolio under its new name. In the field of manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T), a key element of future battlefields, it succeeded in the nation's first demonstration of interoperability between a large unmanned aircraft and satellite communications. In 2025, an additional export contract for 'Cheongung-II' with the UAE is considered likely, and technical cooperation on M-SAM (medium-range surface-to-air missile) with European countries is under discussion. In addition, the company has begun developing space surveillance and satellite navigation augmentation systems in cooperation with the Korea AeroSpace Administration, and has developed AI-based battlefield awareness software in-house, with military pilot operation imminent.

The company announced plans to raise overseas export share to 50%, aiming to become one of the world's top 10 defense companies in terms of defense revenue by 2025. Notably, it has established mass production systems for the small and medium-sized UAV 'Blue Angel' series and is developing an integrated air defense system package for export. It is also seeking business diversification beyond the defense sector by developing satellite communication terminals and autonomous driving sensors that converge defense and civilian advanced technologies.