LIG Defense & Aerospace (LIGD&A, formerly LIG Nex1) established its first local subsidiary in the United States, embarking on a full-fledged expansion of its U.S. footprint.
LIGD&A said on the 8th that it had established its U.S. subsidiary, LIG Defense U.S. (LIG U.S.). LIG U.S. was set up to enter the United States, the world's largest defense market. Through this entity, LIGD&A plans to pursue activities such as building partnerships and exchanging technology in the United States.
LIG U.S. hired retired U.S. Navy Vice Adm. Rich Brown, a former commander of the U.S. Pacific Fleet surface forces, as senior adviser. Given Brown's experience overseeing fleet operations, LIG U.S. expects to lead in strengthening cooperation with the U.S. Navy and expanding its business.
Earlier, in July 2024, LIGD&A took part in the multinational maritime exercise RIMPAC in Hawaii and showcased Bihoong, a 2.75-inch guided weapon. Bihoong at the time passed testing and evaluation under the United States' Foreign Comparative Testing (FCT) program for introducing overseas weapons systems. It was the first in the defense industry to do so.
Chief Executive Shin Ik-hyun of LIGD&A said, "Establishing a U.S. subsidiary reflects the efforts LIG D&A has made, and its ongoing resolve, to establish itself as a true partner to the U.S. defense industry," adding, "It will serve as a bridgehead for South Korea–U.S. defense cooperation."
Meanwhile, LIGD&A has strengthened its global network by maintaining local offices in key countries including Europe, Colombia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, and Malaysia.