LIG Nex1

What LIG Nex1 does

LIG Defense & Aerospace (formerly LIG Nex1) is a South Korean publicly traded defense prime founded in 1976 and headquartered in Pangyo/Yongin, operating across eight business domains: guided weapons, maritime systems, ISR, command/control/communications/cyber, avionics and drones, electronic warfare, unmanned/future warfare, and MRO services. Its flagship product is the Cheongung-II (KM-SAM) medium-range surface-to-air missile system, developed jointly with Hanwha Systems and combat-validated in early 2026 by the UAE during Iranian missile and drone attacks with a 96.7% interception rate (161 of 174 ballistic missiles and 645 of 689 drones). The portfolio spans precision-guided munitions, anti-ship cruise missiles (L-MSM, L-MCM, SASM), the L-MDM drone-launched missile (integrated on Shield AI's V-BAT), the Haegung naval defense missile (exported to Malaysia for $94M), the Sea Sword-X unmanned surface vessel, the KF-21 EW suite, and the KRW 1.56 trillion Electronic Warfare Aircraft program (Bombardier Global 6500-based, deployment 2034).

The company's revenue model centers on direct government-to-government defense procurement, primarily through South Korea's DAPA/ADD for domestic programs and bilateral defense agreements for exports. It sells combat-proven missile defense systems at a structural cost advantage (Cheongung-II interceptors at ~US$1M vs. ~US$4M for U.S. Patriot), generating one-time license revenue on platform sales plus recurring MRO, consumables, and technology licensing/co-development streams. Customers include the UAE (US$3.5B Cheongung-II deal in 2022 plus follow-ons), Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Malaysia, Morocco, Thailand (with HD Hyundai), and the Republic of Korea Armed Forces. Multi-region manufacturing and MRO hubs are being established in Abu Dhabi (Tawazun Council) and planned for Europe (Rheinmetall JV), while the Ghost Robotics acquisition (60% stake, $240M, July 2024) provides a U.S. manufacturing and market access channel.

Vision 2030 targets 10 trillion KRW in sales (vs. ~KRW 3 trillion in 2025), supported by a KRW 5 trillion capital injection from South Korea's National Growth Fund in June 2026 — the largest single raise in company history — funding production infrastructure expansion in Gimcheon and Gumi. The company rebranded from LIG Nex1 to LIG Defense & Aerospace in March 2026, signaling a strategic pivot from Korean-domestic-focused missile house to globally integrated defense and aerospace prime.

Name

LIG Nex1

Legal name

LIG Defense&Aerospace

Website

https://lignex1.com

Company type

Public

Founded year

1976

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Defense & Aerospace Manufacturing

NAICS

Guided Missile and Space Vehicle Manufacturing (336414)

SIC

Guided Missiles & Space Vehicles & Parts (3760)

akta.pro primary industry

Air Defense Missiles & Interceptors (IMABAHAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Guidance, Navigation & Control (GNC) Electronics for Weapons (IMABAGAH), Naval C4ISR, Communications & Electronic Warfare (IMABAKAE), Military Weapons Integration & Stores Management (IMABAMAG), Tactical & Strategic Missile Systems (IMABAHAB), Military Space Systems (Defense Spacecraft) (IMABACAC)

Keywords

• Precision-guided munitions
• Air defense systems
• Electronic warfare
• Unmanned surface vessels
• Maritime defense systems

Headquarters

HQ city

Yongin

HQ country

South Korea

HQ region

Asia

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Defense Equipment Sales (Guided Weapons, Air Defense, Naval Systems): Direct government procurement of defense systems including Cheongung-II missile defense systems, anti-ship missiles, naval combat systems, and electronic warfare platforms. Revenue recognized upon delivery of major defense platforms. Cheongung-II export contracts include UAE ($3.5B deal in 2022), Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and Malaysia ($94M Haegung export).
2. MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul): Ongoing maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for exported defense systems. UAE partnership with Tawazun Council includes establishment of local MRO facilities. South Korea's Defense Ministry streamlined export rules for repair parts, enabling faster follow-on maintenance revenue.
3. Technology Licensing and Co-development: Licensing of proprietary defense technologies through strategic partnerships with international defense primes. Includes co-development revenue from programs like EW aircraft with Korean Air, and satellite programs with L3Harris.
4. Satellite Systems and Space Programs: Space systems including geostationary weather satellite development (GK5) and satellite subsystems. First private-led satellite program in Korea, managed by LIG Nex1.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

LIG Nex1 designs, develops, manufactures, and exports precision-guided weapons, surface-to-air missile defense systems, anti-ship missiles, electronic warfare platforms, unmanned surface vessels, naval combat systems, and satellite systems for the Republic of Korea Armed Forces and international defense customers. The company operates across eight business divisions covering guided munitions, maritime systems, ISR, C4I, avionics & drones, electronic warfare, unmanned & future warfare, and military maintenance/repair/overhaul (MRO) services.

Product overview

LIG Defense & Aerospace (formerly LIG Nex1) operates as a comprehensive defense and aerospace systems integrator offering a portfolio of guided weapons, maritime systems, surveillance and reconnaissance, command control communications, avionics and drones, electronic warfare, and unmanned and future warfare solutions. The product portfolio centers on the Cheongung-II surface-to-air missile system as the flagship product, complemented by anti-ship cruise missiles (L-MSM, L-MCM, SASM), Haegung maritime defense missile, L-MDM drone-launched missile, KF-21 electronic warfare suite, Sea Sword-X unmanned surface vessel, and Ghost Robotics quadrupedal robots (Vision 60, Spirit 40). The company also leads the W1.9 trillion electronic warfare aircraft program for Korea's Defense Acquisition Program Administration and the Cheollian 5 geostationary weather satellite program. Business divisions span guided munitions, maritime systems, ISR, C4I/cyber, avionics/drones, electronic warfare, unmanned systems, and MRO services.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Cheongung-II (천궁-II): Surface-to-air missile defense system with 96%+ interception rate, combat-proven in Middle East conflicts
• Haegung
• L-MDM (LIG Multi-purpose Drone-launched Missile)
• Sea Sword-X
• GK5 (Cheollian 5)
• KALCM (Korean Air-Launched Cruise Missile)
• L-MSM, L-MCM, SASM

Products and services

• Cheongung-II Surface-to-Air Missile System (KM-SAM)
• Haegung Surface-to-Air Missile System
• L-MDM Drone-Launched Missile
• L-MSM / L-MCM / SASM Anti-ship Cruise Missiles
• Electronic Warfare Aircraft Block-I
• Sea Sword-X Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV)
• Micro Satellite System
• Military Satellite Communication System-II
• KF-21 Electronic Warfare Suite
• KALCM (Korean Air-Launched Cruise Missile)
• SRAAM-II Short-Range Air-to-Air Missile
• Cheollian 5 (GK5) Geostationary Weather Satellite
• Ghost Robotics Vision 60 / Spirit 40 Quadruped Unmanned Ground Vehicles
• Military MRO (Maintenance, Repair & Overhaul) Services

Quantifiable outcome

• Cheongung-II achieved 96.7% intercept rate in combat, destroying 161 of 174 ballistic missiles and 645 of 689 drones detected in Iran-UAE conflict
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles2 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration2 records

AI capability11 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• RheinmetallflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 June 2026LIG D&A announced partnership with German defense firm Rheinmetall to cooperate in air defense systems. LIG D&A stock jumped 18.82% following the announcement. The partnership combines LIG D&A's Cheongung-II air defense system with Rheinmetall's air defense portfolio to target European and NATO markets.
• NearthlabcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 June 2026MOU signed June 2 to establish business cooperation framework in interceptor drone sector. Partnership combines LIG D&A's integrated air defense system capabilities with Nearthlab's AI software and autonomous flight-based interceptor drone technologies to develop combat-ready counter-drone solutions. Includes rapid pilot projects for close-range counter-drone hard-kill defense, interceptor drone variants development, and domestic and overseas exports.
• Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement (UAE)flagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 May 2026MOU signed at 'Make it in the Emirates 2026' event to establish a global defence manufacturing hub in Abu Dhabi. Agreement covers cooperation in R&D, manufacturing, maintenance, repair, overhaul, and supply chain integration. UAE entity will be locally incorporated, supporting UAE's defense industry localization goals.
• HJ Heavy IndustriescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2026LIG Nex1 partnered with HJ Heavy Industries as part of South Korean consortium with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries to develop combat USV systems for Republic of Korea Navy under Agency for Defence Development program. LIG Nex1 developing autonomous mission systems and weapon operation controls; HJ Heavy Industries providing hull and naval platform expertise.
• Palantir TechnologiesflagshipStrategic or Co-development Partner · 25 March 2026MOU signed at Palantir headquarters in Palo Alto, California to develop AI-enhanced integrated air defense and unmanned system solutions for the UAE. Combines LIG Nex1's Cheongung II surface-to-air missile system (96% interception success rate in Middle East conflicts) with Palantir's AI and data management technologies. Partnership aims to enhance LIG Nex1's software capabilities and establish global defense market foothold through UAE.
• Ghost Robotics (US IPO preparation)minorOthers · 24 February 2026LIG Nex1 reaffirmed that the US IPO of its robotics subsidiary Ghost Robotics remains on track for 2029 as originally agreed under the investment agreement. Company dismissed market speculation about delays, despite near-term financial pressure on the subsidiary (estimated KRW 16B revenue vs KRW 42B operating losses in 2025, partly due to US federal government shutdown disruptions).
• Honeywell InternationalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 2026MOU signed in February to explore collaboration on unmanned aerial vehicle development, including Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicles (UCAV) and Collaborative Combat Aircraft, as well as space, electromagnetic defense, and cybersecurity applications. Non-exclusive framework combining Honeywell's unmanned technologies and resilient navigation expertise with LIG Nex1's cross-domain unmanned platform experience and advanced precision electronic systems.
• Shield AIcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 January 2026Shield AI announced integration of LIG Nex1's L-MDM (LIG Multi-purpose Drone-launched Missile) into its V-BAT vertical takeoff and landing drone, transforming the ISR platform into a precision strike asset. L-MDM is an air-to-ground laser-guided weapon for easy integration with existing surveillance and reconnaissance drone platforms. Previously signed MOU at MADEX 2025; contract commemoration event held at UMEX 2026.
• L3Harris TechnologiescoreTechnology or Integration · 23 January 2026L3Harris Technologies selected by LIG Nex1 to provide the imaging payload for Korea's GEO-KOMPSAT-5 geostationary weather satellite. L3Harris supplying its new 18-channel meteorological imager with two channels for improved water vapor measurement. LIG Nex1 managing domestic quality control, integration, and system verification for the satellite program.
• Rotron AerospaceminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 January 2026Collaboration agreement signed between UK propulsion specialist Rotron Aerospace and LIG Nex1 to jointly develop and export unmanned air systems, focusing on the Medium UAV Common Platform. Combines Rotron's propulsion expertise with LIG Nex1's capabilities in unmanned air systems for both development and export purposes.
• HD Hyundai Heavy IndustriescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 December 2025South Korean consortium (LIG Nex1, HJ Heavy Industries, HD Hyundai Heavy Industries) signed agreement with Agency for Defence Development to develop combat USV systems for Republic of Korea Navy. LIG Nex1 developing core technologies for integrated control system, weapon operation and launch-control system, and autonomous mission system for combat USV under KRW 49B government-funded program through 2030.
• Airbus Defence and SpacecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 October 2025MOU signed at ADEX 2025 to expand strategic partnership and cooperation in advanced defense and aerospace technologies. Collaboration to be broadened to include integrated air defense systems, digital defense solutions, and support for Korea's national space programs, building on existing joint projects.
• Ghost Robotics (Acquisition – 60% controlling stake)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 July 2024LIG Nex1 acquired 60% controlling stake in Philadelphia-based quadrupedal robot developer Ghost Robotics for $240 million, valuing the company at $400 million. Companies plan to combine expertise to develop autonomous robotic solutions for industrial and defense markets. Ghost Robotics gains access to LIG Nex1's defense technologies and manufacturing facilities to scale production of Vision 60 and Spirit 40 robot dogs. Joint research center planned in Washington D.C.

Scale indicators9 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• MBDA: European-guided weapons consortium (Airbus, Leonardo, BAE Systems) that is a direct head-to-head competitor in the medium-range SAM and anti-ship missile export markets. Comparable in product portfolio across air defense, anti-ship, and guided munitions and as a primary competitor for NATO/European sales.
• HD Hyundai Heavy Industries: Consortium partner for the Royal Thai Navy frigate program and a co-developer of combat USV systems for the ROK Navy. Comparable as a Korean naval and shipbuilding prime with overlapping combat system integration mandates.
• Rafael Advanced Defense Systems: Israeli defense company behind Iron Dome, David's Sling, and the Spike missile family — a direct peer in mid-tier combat-proven air defense and anti-ship missiles. Highly comparable as a smaller-than-US-prime integrator that has built an export franchise out of combat-proven systems, including in the Middle East and Europe.
• Hanwha Systems: Co-developer of the Cheongung-II radar and combat management system, making it a direct technology peer in integrated air defense. Comparable as a Korean defense electronics house focused on surveillance radar, electronic warfare, and C4I systems for the same customer base.
• Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI): Manufacturer of the KF-21 Boramae fighter — the platform that LIG D&A's SRAAM-II, KALCM, and EW suite are designed to integrate with. A direct peer across Korea's combat aircraft, unmanned, and aerospace ecosystem and a fellow member of the Korean 'Big 4' defense primes.
• Hanwha Aerospace: Co-developer of the Cheongung-II (KM-SAM) surface-to-air missile system and a fellow member of Korea's 'Big 4' defense primes (combined ~$37B projected 2026 revenue). Directly comparable as a Korean guided-weapons and air defense systems integrator targeting the same export customers in the Middle East.
• Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace: Norwegian defense and aerospace company active in air defense (NASAMS), naval strike missiles, and unmanned systems. Comparable as a non-US Western mid-tier defense prime with a similar export-led, combat-validated growth profile in Europe and NATO markets.

Broad incumbents

• Lockheed Martin: Producer of the Patriot PAC-3 system, the principal premium-priced incumbent against which Cheongung-II is positioned. Comparable as a broad US defense prime with overlapping surface-to-air missiles, precision-guided weapons, and integrated air defense offerings.
• RTX (Raytheon): Co-producer of Patriot and a broad US defense prime in missiles, EW, and integrated air defense. Comparable as a global incumbent competing for the same Middle East and Eastern European air defense customers, with deep political and offset relationships.
• Rheinmetall: Germany's largest defense prime and LIG D&A's June 2026 strategic partner for European and NATO air defense market entry. Comparable as a broad incumbent offering overlapping air defense capabilities (including Skynex and Oerlikon) but as part of a much wider land, air, and ammunition portfolio.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@ligda
• Facebookfacebook.com/LIGDA
• Instagraminstagram.com/lig_da

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors7 records

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A1 record

Investments5 records

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about LIG Nex1