Republic of Korea’s (ROK’s) Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has contracted local aerospace and arms manufacturer LIG Nex1 to work on the reconnaissance unmanned surface vehicle (USV) system development project.
Specifically, the company was selected to develop two 12-meter USVs, with delivery expected in 2027.
The project is valued at 39,86 billion KRW ($27,3 million) and aims to strengthen surveillance, reconnaissance and rapid on-site response capabilities for naval forward bases and major ports.
According to the manufacturer, the contract represents an advancement in the study and development of unmanned surface vehicles, which are said to be the core of future maritime unmanned systems. Furthermore, it, reportedly, marks a step toward completing the ROK Navy’s manned-unmanned composite combat system, the ‘Navy Sea GHOST.’
To note, since 2015, LIG Nex1 has been accumulating related experience and technology by independently developing the ‘Sea Sword’ series of unmanned surface vehicles as a civilian-military project. Future plans include integration with low-earth-orbit commercial satellites, to expand the operational radius.
It is important to mention that the company plans to modularize the armament and detection system of USVs so that they can be equipped with various mission equipment.
“Through this, we aim to create the most reliable solution in the marine platform field that will respond to the rapidly changing future warfare landscape,” LIG Nex1 stated.