LIG Defense & Aerospace (LIG D&A) is collaborating with Nears Lab, a drone AI company specializing in autonomous flight technology, to strengthen its competitiveness in the integrated air defense market against drone threats.
On June 12, LIG D&A announced that it signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on June 2 at Pangyo House, with key officials including CEO Shin Ik-hyun of LIG D&A and CEO Choi Jae-hyuk of Nears Lab in attendance. The MOU aims to combine LIG D&A's world-class integrated air defense capabilities with Nears Lab's innovative AI software and autonomous interception drone technology.
The two companies previously garnered significant attention at 'ADEX 2025' by jointly showcasing a hard-kill system for large drones. Through this MOU, they plan to develop an advanced, combat-ready integrated drone interception solution.
Initially, they will enhance cooperation in rapid demonstration projects for close-in defense systems against large drones, the development of derivative interception drones, and the interception drone sector for domestic and export markets.
This collaboration is expected to serve as a model for 'win-win cooperation' between leading defense companies and small to medium-sized startups as they venture into the global market.
Shin Ik-hyun, CEO of LIG D&A, stated, "The partnership with Nears Lab will be an innovative driving force to accelerate our growth as we transition into a comprehensive aerospace and defense company this year. Through our collaboration, we aim to secure a unique competitive edge in the global integrated air defense market for large drone interception."
Choi Jae-hyuk, CEO of Nears Lab, expressed, "We feel a great sense of responsibility as we establish a global alliance with LIG D&A, a key player in South Korea's defense industry. We will successfully introduce a combat-ready integrated drone interception solution to the global market by enhancing LIG D&A's integrated air defense capabilities with Nears Lab's AI interception drone expertise."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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