The new LIG Nex1 Web site launched on the occasion of the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition 2009. The site features extensive and in-depth information on the defense systems the company has developed.

By Jung Sung-ki
Staff Reporter

LIG Nex1 has launched a brand new Web site to provide extensive and in-depth information on the defense systems it has developed, ahead of the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition 2009 and the Naval Defense 2009.

The move is part of efforts to further promote the firm globally and become a ``top-tier'' international defense company by 2020, the company said in a news release.

LIG Nex1 earned $720 million in defense sales last year, the largest amount among defense companies here.

The Internet site (www.lignex1.com) has both Korean and English services and carries images of its ground, naval and air defense systems, the release said. Information on the firm's history and previous exhibitions are available.

Hwang Chi-bok, an executive director of the firm's strategy planning team, said the Web site will help ordinary citizens as well as defense-related people understand the industry.

``The latest updates of the homepage will play a key role in raising the profile of South Korea's national defense industry internationally, as well as promoting our company domestically and globally,'' LIG Nex1 President and CEO Koo Bon-sang said.

The firm held a ceremony to declare its ``True Dream Partner'' vision at its branch office in Gumi, North Gyeongsang Province, Oct. 19.

``Our firm will continue to develop and pursue strategic programs to solve pending national security issues by making the most of our firm's state-of-the-art technology and network systems,'' Koo said.

To that end, LIG Nex1 will further boost its research and development (R&D) of up-to-date weapons systems ranging from surveillance and reconnaissance to precision-strike systems through aggressive investment, he said.
The firm will maintain or increase its current 40-percent ratio of R&D personnel and establish more ties with domestic and global research institutes, he added.
Established in 1976 under the name Goldstar Precision, LIG Nex1 is regarded as a top defense company in South Korea.

It develops a wide range of defense systems, including precision-guided missiles, underwater, radar, fire-control and electronic warfare systems, communications, and avionics.

gallantjung@koreatimes.co.kr