LIG D&A
South Korean defense and aerospace company developing advanced weapon systems including guided weapons, surveillance systems, and avionics, with a growing focus on metal additive manufacturing for defense applications.
- CEO / Founder
- Shin Ick-hyun
- Team Size
- 1001-5000
- Stage
- Public
- Latest Round
- Post-IPO
- Key Investors
- LIG Corporation (42.54%); National Pension Service (13.53%)
Technology & Products
Key Products
Precision Guided Munitions (Poniard/Bigung, Biryong, KGGB); Maritime Warfare systems (torpedoes: Tiger Shark, Blue Shark, Red Shark); Surveillance & Reconnaissance (ESR-500A radar, LADR, satellite SAR); Command/Control/Communication systems; Avionics & Drones (KF-21 EW Suite); Electronic Warfare systems; Unmanned Systems (USV, AUV, UUV); Metal AM Center for defense parts production
Technological Advantage
Vertically integrated defense prime contractor with in-house metal additive manufacturing capability (L-PBF), AI-based design optimization, and generative design for lightweighting defense components
Differentiation
Value Proposition
Comprehensive South Korean defense prime contractor with vertically integrated capabilities spanning guided weapons, surveillance, avionics, and unmanned systems, now pioneering metal 3D printing mass production for defense components
How They Differentiate
First and only South Korean defense company to establish a dedicated metal additive manufacturing mass-production facility (Metal AM Center) for defense components, integrating AI-based design optimization and process control with L-PBF technology
Market & Competition
Target Customers
Republic of Korea Armed Forces, international defense ministries and armed forces, global defense primes
Industry Verticals
Defense; Aerospace; Maritime; Space/Satellite
Competitors
Hanwha Aerospace; Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI); L3Harris Technologies
Growth & Milestones
Major Milestones
1976: Founded as Goldstar Precision; 2007: Renamed to LIG Nex1; 2013: STIC Investments acquired 49% stake for ₩420B; 2024: Shin Ick-hyun appointed CEO; 2026: Rebranded to LIG Defense & Aerospace (LIG D&A); 2026: Metal AM Center established for metal 3D printing mass production; 2026: First U.S. subsidiary (LIG Defense U.S. Inc.) established
Notable Customers
Republic of Korea Armed Forces; U.S. Navy (Bigung missile pursuit); multiple international defense ministries