South Korean defense contractor LIG Nex1 has signed a strategic agreement with Security Platform to enhance security for artificial intelligence and unmanned systems technologies, deepening a collaboration that began in 2019.
The business agreement, signed April 15 at LIG Nex1’s Seoul office, aims to expand protection measures for sensitive technology used in unmanned weapon systems including surface vessels and aerial drones. The ceremony was attended by Security Platform CEO Hwang Soo-ik and LIG Nex1’s Future Battlefield Division Head Choi Jong-jin.
The partnership comes as LIG Nex1 strengthens its position in unmanned systems development. The company secured a 39.86 billion won ($274 million) contract in December to develop reconnaissance unmanned surface vehicles for the Republic of Korea Navy by 2027. Its “Sea Sword” series includes multiple variants for reconnaissance, combat, and deployment from larger vessels.
The companies have jointly developed a “Physical Electronic Component Protection Device” since 2019 designed to shield critical technology components in weapon systems. This collaboration advances alongside South Korea’s broader defense modernization, which includes substantial investments in AI-powered systems.
LIG Nex1 has recently formed several strategic partnerships to enhance its technological capabilities, including agreements with US firms Palantir Technologies for big data applications and Anduril for guided weapons and AI-powered systems.
The technology security measures reflect growing concerns about protecting intellectual property in advanced defense systems, particularly as South Korea aims to become a major global defense exporter.
