LIG Nex1, one of South Korea’s largest defense contractors, has formed a strategic partnership with US defense technology company Anduril Industries to develop next-generation weapons systems powered by artificial intelligence.
The firms signed a comprehensive memorandum of understanding on April 2 at LIG Nex1’s Seoul office, with CEOs Shin Ik-hyun and Brian Schimpf attending the signing ceremony. The collaboration will focus on guided weapons, unmanned underwater vehicles for manned-unmanned teaming, and AI-powered operational systems.
This partnership marks LIG Nex1’s second major collaboration with a US defense technology firm, following an agreement with Palantir Technologies last August to develop advanced weapon systems leveraging big data. That earlier deal focused on unmanned surface vehicles, radar satellites, and electromagnetic spectrum operations.
The companies plan to integrate LIG Nex1’s sensors and mission equipment into Anduril’s unmanned platforms, while incorporating Anduril’s AI-based “Lattice” operational system into LIG Nex1’s weapons systems. Lattice is designed to help military personnel monitor battlefields and control multiple drones and sensors simultaneously.
The Korean defense contractor specifically highlighted its “Haegeom” (Sea Sword) unmanned surface vehicle series as a key platform that will benefit from Anduril’s AI expertise.
LIG Nex1 has been expanding its global footprint, recently securing a US$2.8 billion contract with Iraq for its Cheongung-II missile defense system. The mid-range surface-to-air missile system can intercept various aerial threats at altitudes up to 15 kilometers.
