LIG Nex1
South Korean defence electronics and missile systems manufacturer; won the Cheongung-III mid-range SAM development contract at ~$2.2B in 2026.
LIG Nex1 has built South Korean Air-defence and precision-weapons systems since 1976. Its Cheongung-III contract, awarded on 1 May 2026, places the company at the centre of Korea's next-generation mid-range missile-defence programme.
Last refreshed: 1 October 2026 · Appears in 1 active topic
Can LIG Nex1 turn the Cheongung-III win into South Korea's next billion-dollar export hit?
Timeline for LIG Nex1
Mentioned in: Japan requests 17 MQ-9B drones for 2027
Drones: Industry & DefenceWon Cheongung-III contract at ~$2.2B over Hanwha competitor
Drones: Industry & Defence: South Korea pulls Iron Dome forward to 2029Mentioned in: Pentagon eyes Korea missile shields
Iran Conflict 2026Background
LIG Nex1 is a South Korean defence electronics and missile-systems manufacturer. Its work spans precision-guided weapons, surveillance and radar systems, electronic warfare and military communications. The company is relevant to countries seeking domestically made air-defence equipment rather than dependence on foreign suppliers.
The company began in 1976 as Goldstar Precision and became LIG Nex1 in 2007. Its Cheongung-III award on 1 May 2026 ties it to South Korea's planned mid-range air-defence capability.
LIG Nex1 matters because missile-defence programmes depend on specialist electronics as much as on interceptors. The 1 May contract places the company within South Korea's effort to build a domestic defensive stack against artillery, drones and missile threats.
What does LIG Nex1 make and why does it matter?
How did LIG Nex1 win the Cheongung-III contract over Hanwha?
What countries buy LIG Nex1 missiles?
