LIG Nex1, Palantir team up on UAE air defense, unmanned systems

Shin Ick-hyun, right, CEO of LIG Nex1, poses with Ryan Taylor, chief revenue officer and chief legal officer of Palantir Technologies, in Palo Alto, Calif., Tuesday (local time), after signing a memorandum of understanding. Courtesy of LIG Nex1

LIG Nex1 and Palantir Technologies have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop integrated air defense and unmanned systems for the United Arab Emirates, the companies said Wednesday.

The agreement was signed on Tuesday (local time) at Palantir’s office in Palo Alto, California, with key attendees including LIG Nex1 CEO Shin Ick-hyun and Palantir Chief Revenue Officer and Chief Legal Officer Ryan Taylor.

Under the deal, the two sides aim to strengthen their research and development capabilities in national defense by combining LIG Nex1’s expertise in systems integration with Palantir’s data-driven software solutions. LIG Nex1 has developed capabilities across integrated air defense systems covering low- to high-altitude operations, as well as mission-specific unmanned platforms.

“LIG Nex1 has continuously worked to advance defense capabilities for South Korea and its global partners through total solutions spanning precision-guided munitions, unmanned systems, and surveillance and reconnaissance,” Shin said. “We expect this partnership with Palantir to further enhance our defense R&D capabilities and global competitiveness.”