LIG D&A and Rheinmetall Establish Joint Venture for Advanced Air Defense Systems

by Han Jiyeon Posted : June 16, 2026, 09:36Updated : June 16, 2026, 09:36
LIG D&A and Rheinmetall Air Defence have formed a strategic partnership to supply advanced air defense systems to Europe and NATO. On June 15, the two companies signed a memorandum of understanding at the Rheinmetall booth during the Eurosatory international defense exhibition in Paris. Lee Hyun-soo, head of LIG D&A's overseas business division (right), and Oliver Dühr, CEO of Rheinmetall Air Defence, pose for a commemorative photo.
LIG D&A and Rheinmetall Air Defence have formed a strategic partnership to supply advanced air defense systems to Europe and NATO. On June 15, the two companies signed a memorandum of understanding at the Rheinmetall booth during the Eurosatory international defense exhibition in Paris. Lee Hyun-soo, head of LIG D&A's overseas business division (right), and Oliver Dühr, CEO of Rheinmetall Air Defence, pose for a commemorative photo.[Photo=LIG D&A]

LIG Defense and Aerospace (LIG D&A) announced a strategic partnership with Rheinmetall Air Defence to enhance cooperation in supplying advanced air defense systems to Europe and NATO.

The two companies are discussing collaborative strategies to meet the growing demand for layered air defense solutions in Europe. As a first step, they are engaged in in-depth discussions regarding the establishment of a joint venture in Europe.

This collaboration aims to strengthen their capabilities in providing a "one-stop turnkey solution" in the European market, leveraging their complementary product portfolios. They plan to implement practical cooperation, including building a stable supply chain and joint development to address the demand for layered air defense.

Specifically, LIG D&A will integrate its medium- and long-range air defense missile systems with Rheinmetall's very short-range air defense (VSHORAD) capabilities to promote localization, development, and sales in the European market. Additionally, they plan to jointly develop a new missile system for short-range air defense (SHORAD) to establish a comprehensive air defense layer covering very short to long-range systems.

Rheinmetall has a strong presence in ground-based air defense, with extensive capabilities in high-performance guns and weapon systems, sensors, fire control systems, integrated command and control (C2) systems, mobile and fixed air defense systems, drone defense systems, munitions, and system components.

LIG D&A has developed and produced advanced layered air defense solutions, including long-range surface-to-air missiles (L-SAM), medium-range surface-to-air missiles (M-SAM II), and portable air defense missiles (CHIRON), indicating a strong synergy with Rheinmetall.

Notably, LIG D&A has recently opened a European office in Munich, actively pursuing opportunities in the European defense market.

Lee Ik-hyun, CEO of LIG D&A, stated, "It is significant to pursue strategic cooperation with Rheinmetall at this important juncture of European defense modernization. We will continue to promote sustainable collaboration in various fields, including R&D and marketing."

Oliver Dühr, CEO of Rheinmetall Air Defence, remarked, "The portfolios of both companies are complementary and meet the current and future demands of the European market. Through this collaboration, we will be able to offer a wide range of air defense capabilities to our European customers."





* This article has been translated by AI.