[Courtesy of LIG Nex1]
SEOUL -- LIG Nex1, a defense contractor in South Korea, strengthened its partnership with a state research institute to boost its technology development capacity related to drones and personal air vehicles, based on accumulated know-how in advanced precision electronic systems for military equipment. The company has been involved in the development of autonomous patrol boats and military drones.
LIG Nex1 signed a memorandum of understanding with the Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) to cooperate in the development of aerospace technology. "We will jointly develop technology related to various civilian and military drones in South Korea while improving business competitiveness," said KARI President Lim Cheol-ho, adding the partnership would enhance KARI's global competitiveness in drone technology.
LIG Nex1 produces a wide range of advanced precision electronic systems such as missiles, torpedoes, radars, tactical communication systems, naval combat systems, avionics and electro-optics. In June, the company joined hands with LG Electronics, a leading home appliance producer, to develop drone motors.
"Through the memorandum of understanding with KARI, we will secure the foundation for the development of domestic drone development technology and our future entry into urban air mobility," said LIG Nex1's business management head Lee Soo-young. Urban Air Mobility (UAM) is an ecosystem covering personal air vehicles (PAVs) and infrastructure.
South Korea has launched UAM Team Korea, a public-private consultative body, to commercialize drone taxis in 2025 and autonomous flights in 2035.