LIG Defense & Aerospace establishes 1st US subsidiary

LIG Defense & Aerospace (D&A)officials inspect the Bigung launcher mounted on an unmanned surface vessel during the Rim of the Pacific Exercise exercise in the United States in this undated photo. Courtesy of LIG D&A

LIG Defense & Aerospace (D&A) has established its first local subsidiary in the United States — LIG Defense U.S. — to enhance cooperation with the U.S. Navy, the company said Wednesday.

With retired U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Richard Brown appointed as chief adviser, the U.S. subsidiary will carry out comprehensive activities — including building local partnerships and pursuing technology exchanges — as it seeks to enter the world’s largest and most advanced defense market.

Brown, the former commander of Naval Surface Forces at the U.S. Pacific Fleet who oversaw fleet operations and led efforts to enhance the combat readiness of surface forces, is considered well suited to strengthen cooperation with the U.S. Navy and expand the company’s business.

LIG has operated local offices in key target countries, including Colombia, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia and Malaysia, as well as in Europe, to build a global network. The launch of the U.S. subsidiary is expected to further boost its international business.

LIG D&A has already gained U.S. recognition after its Poniard guided rocket successfully completed the final performance test under the U.S. Foreign Comparative Testing program during the Rim of the Pacific Exercise in waters off Hawaii in July 2024. The achievement has raised expectations for the weapon — also known as “Bigung” in Korea — to be integrated into U.S. weapons systems.

“The establishment of the U.S. subsidiary reflects the efforts LIG D&A has made — and will continue to make — to position itself as a true partner to the U.S. defense industry. We will strive to serve as a bridgehead for Korea-U.S. defense cooperation,” said Shin Ick-hyun, CEO of LIG D&A.