South Korean aerospace developer LIG Nex1 and Thales Netherlands have signed a memorandum of understanding for the Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) of ship-installed weapon systems.
The memorandum aims to “continue and strengthen cooperation between the two companies” by “transferring technology.”
LIG Nex1 Business Division Head Byeong-hyun Kwon and Thales Senior Vice President Pascale Sourisse led the initiative. With the memorandum, LIG Nex1’s MRO efforts are expected to gain 300 billion won ($229 million) in 2022.
LIG Nex1 and Thales in South Korea
The two companies have collaborated on naval projects since 1998. Due to the recent acquisition of the Republic of Korea Navy’s major depot maintenance initiative, LIG Nex1 plans to expand its partnership with Thales.
In 2019, the Republic of Korea Navy selected LIG Nex1 to develop ship-mounted services called CIWS (Proximity Defense System: Goalkeeper) for warships.
In 2021, the project was replaced by CWIS-II, The Korea Herald reported. The ship-based weapons modification is expected to be completed by 2027.
Thales has been involved in the South Korean arms industry for over 35 years, providing long-term services and equipment to the Korean Armed Forces.
