LIG D&A Strengthens Collaboration with AI Startup Nears Lab in Intercept Drone Sector

Accelerating the Development of Counter-Drone Hard-Kill Solutions

LIG Defense & Aerospace (D&A) announced on the 12th that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Nears Lab, a drone artificial intelligence (AI) company specializing in autonomous flight guidance technology, to establish a business collaboration system in the intercept drone sector.

This agreement was arranged to organically combine LIG D&A’s integrated air defense network system capabilities with Nears Lab’s AI software and autonomous flight-based intercept drone technology.

On the 2nd, key executives from LIG D&A and NearsLab signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to establish a business cooperation system in the interception drone sector and are taking a commemorative photo. Photo by LIG D&A

The two companies drew attention last year by jointly exhibiting a counter-drone hard-kill system at the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (ADEX 2025). Through this agreement, they plan to accelerate the development of a more advanced, practical integrated counter-drone solution. Their focus areas include the rapid demonstration project for counter-drone hard-kill close-in protection systems, the development of intercept drone derivatives for counter-drone operations, and the enhancement of counter-drone intercept drone technology for both domestic and export markets.

In particular, this collaboration is regarded as a model case of mutual growth, as a domestic defense system company is partnering with a small and startup enterprise that possesses unique technological capabilities.

Shin Ikhyun, CEO of LIG D&A, said, "With our new name this year and our leap forward as a comprehensive aerospace and defense company, the partnership with Nears Lab will be an innovative driver accelerating our future growth. Through the collaboration between our two companies, we will secure unrivaled competitiveness in the counter-drone intercept sector within the global integrated air defense market."

Choi Jaehyuk, CEO of Nears Lab, commented, "I feel a great sense of responsibility as we establish a global joint front with LIG D&A, a leader in Korea’s defense industry. By integrating Nears Lab’s AI intercept drone capabilities into LIG D&A’s integrated air defense network, we will successfully introduce a practical integrated counter-drone solution to the global market."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.