LIG Nex1 announced on the 3rd that it has signed a rapid demonstration project agreement with the Defense Rapid Acquisition Technology Research Institute to develop a ‘brigade-level or lower Mobile Ad-hoc Networking (MANET) communication system.’ The project value is 15.3 billion won, and it is expected to proceed until 2027.
The core technology of the MANET project is a communication system that is autonomously configured by wireless terminals in an environment without a network. The ‘brigade-level or lower MANET communication system rapid demonstration project’ aims to develop a modular communication device that transmits field information provided from unmanned systems, including drones, combat personnel, and vehicles, to brigade command posts via communication terminals, thereby supporting command decisions.
Through this project, LIG Nex1 will develop three types of communication equipment: a communication device for surveillance reconnaissance drones, a portable communication device that combat personnel can carry, and a vehicle-mounted communication device. Each device will be produced in a modular format, allowing application to various unmanned systems.
The company plans to complete development within 2 years and conduct performance verification tests for 6 months with the Army Tiger 4.0 unit before delivering the final prototype to the military. A LIG Nex1 official noted, “It is expected to significantly contribute to the military's timely readiness based on a greatly shortened development and verification schedule compared to existing weapons systems.”