LIG Nex1 Press Release, translation by Naval News
On September 11, LIG Nex1 announced that it had been selected as the preferred bidder for the Defense Acquisition Program Administration’s “Reconnaissance Unmanned Surface Vessel System Development Project.” An LIG Nex1 representative stated “We were selected as the preferred bidder by scoring high across all evaluation criteria. Through this project, we aim to establish ourselves as a leader in the development of advanced technologies in the fields of unmanned systems and future warfare.” The significance of this project is that it marks the first step toward the Republic of Korea Navy’s key future initiative, the unmanned and manned integrated combat system kown as “Navy Sea GHOST“.
The development of the reconnaissance unmanned surface vessel (USV) system is a project aimed at enhancing surveillance, reconnaissance, and rapid on-site response capabilities for naval forward bases and key ports. The project involves the research and development of two 12 meter long USVs by 2027 led by the selected company. Since 2015, LIG Nex1 has been developing the “Sea Sword” series of USVs and has accumulated design, construction, and unmanned system technologies through its research and development experience. Upon the completion of the USV’s development, which will be the first of its kind to be deployed operationally in Korea, it is anticipated to emerge as a key weapon system, driving Korean defense industry’s expansion into international markets.
Meanwhile, LIG Nex1 has independently developed a 2.75-inch guided rocket (Poniard) launcher that can be mounted on small unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and has successfully tested it on the Sea Sword series. The accumulated technological expertise was demonstrated during the test launch at the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC), the world’s largest naval exercise, last July, where all six Poniard rockets hit their targets with 100% accuracy. This achievement paved the way for South Korean weapon system’s first opportunity to enter the U.S. market.
To pioneer the export market for USVs, which are regarded as a “game changer” capable of shifting the paradigm of future warfare, efforts are underway to diversify export items and modularize the weapon and detection systems of USVs to enable the installation of various mission equipment. Furthermore, there are plans to develop systems capable of connecting with low-orbit commercial satellites to extend the operational range of the vessels.
Ik-hyun Shin, CEO of LIG Nex1, stated:
Through the development of this reconnaissance unmanned surface vessel (USV) system, the Navy’s ‘Navy Sea GHOST’ will be brought to reality.” He also emphasized, “We plan to continuously advance the Republic of Korea Navy’s unmanned surface vessels by standardizing unmanned systems and modularizing mission-specific weapons and sensors, making them adaptable for future combat and mine warfare USVs.”
