LIG Defense & Aerospace (LIG D&A) is set to begin the development of an unmanned surface vehicle for rescue operations, leveraging its world-class unmanned system technology accumulated in the defense sector.
On July 27, LIG D&A announced that it has been selected as the lead research and development organization for the unmanned surface vehicle project aimed at supporting rescue personnel from the National Fire Agency, under the auspices of the Military-Civilian Technology Cooperation Agency.
This initiative is a key project under the expanded military-civilian technology cooperation policy promoted by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration and the National Fire Agency.
LIG D&A aims to apply military unmanned technology to disaster response, contributing to the safety of both citizens and rescue personnel.
Rescue operations often occur in environments with complex hazards such as swift currents and low visibility, posing risks not only to those in danger but also to the rescuers.
The unmanned surface vehicle being developed by LIG D&A will be deployed in high-risk areas even in adverse weather conditions, capable of assessing and relaying real-time situations while leading initial response efforts.
LIG D&A plans to integrate proven technologies such as autonomous navigation, obstacle avoidance, remote command and control, and sensor integration to create an unmanned surface vehicle optimized for rescue missions. Notably, the company will engage directly with the National Fire Agency's rescue teams from the design phase to gather insights on real-world operational challenges and incorporate them into the development process.
Through this approach, LIG D&A aims to maximize the effectiveness of the equipment, enhancing disaster response efficiency and improving the quality of public safety services.
The government has been continuously expanding its military-civilian technology cooperation policy to transfer advanced technologies developed in the defense sector to civilian applications. This initiative aims to reduce redundant investments while promoting technology transfer and industrialization, thereby enhancing both national defense capabilities and industrial competitiveness.
With the award of the unmanned surface vehicle project, LIG D&A plans to broaden its business scope to encompass the entire marine unmanned systems sector. Since 2015, the company has been developing the 'Haegum' series of unmanned surface vehicles as part of military-civilian projects, accumulating relevant experience and technology, with plans to complete the development of reconnaissance unmanned surface vehicle systems by 2027. The first unmanned surface vehicle to receive combat suitability certification will be delivered to the Navy for deployment and operation.
LIG D&A has noted a growing demand for unmanned surface vehicles in Southeast Asia and the Middle East, regions with significant maritime activities but relatively underdeveloped rescue infrastructure. Therefore, the company plans to actively pursue exports to these countries based on operational references established domestically.
Shin Yong-hwa, head of the Future Warfare Business Division, stated, "This project is a significant starting point for ensuring safety in perilous rescue environments while expanding LIG D&A's unmanned surface vehicles into the civilian sector. We will continue to leverage our accumulated advanced technologies to expand our business reach beyond domestic markets to the global stage."
* This article has been translated by AI.
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