Portable Unmanned Submersible Exists?… LIG Nex1 Showcases Latest Weapons and Technologies at International Maritime Defense Industry Exhibition

Participation in 'MADEX' at Busan BEXCO from June 7 to 9

Unveiling of real unmanned surface vessel Haegum-II, 60kg submarine

Surface, underwater, and aerial manned-unmanned complex systems to lead future warfare

The latest weapons and technologies of LIG Nex1, a leading domestic defense company, are comprehensively showcased.

On the 7th, at BEXCO in Busan, LIG Nex1 (CEO Kim Ji-chan) announced that it will present the latest technologies of the manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) systems for surface, underwater, and aerial platforms, which will be responsible for the future warfare of the Republic of Korea Armed Forces, as well as maritime guided weapons aimed at export markets, at the opening of the International Maritime Defense Industry Exhibition (MADEX).

LIG Nex1, which secured the largest exhibition space among participating companies at MADEX, proposes a comprehensive solution to respond to the Navy’s maritime manned-unmanned combined combat system called ‘Navy Sea GHOST (Navy Sea Guardian Harmonized with Operating manned Systems and Technology based unmanned systems).’

LIG Nex1 organized its exhibition hall into three zones: MUM-T centered on unmanned surface vessels, shipborne equipment, and maritime guided weapons.

LIG Nex1 booth at MADEX, which opened at BEXCO in Busan.

Among the MUM-T systems, the company unveiled the latest technology to enhance the Navy’s mine countermeasure operations. The Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) is the Navy’s first unmanned submarine capable of autonomous mine detection underwater.

This submarine was developed to weigh less than 60kg so that crew members can carry it. It uses lithium-polymer batteries to enable long-duration missions. It also minimizes human and equipment losses from the risk of enemy mine explosions.

The AUV can perform missions linked via underwater communication with the unmanned surface vessel ‘M-Hunter,’ which is also unveiled at this exhibition. Through heterogeneous swarm operations, it is expected that mine countermeasure (MCM) capabilities will be dramatically enhanced in the future.

‘M-HUNTER’ is an unmanned surface vessel developed as a Korea-Australia international joint research project by the Defense Science Research Institute’s Marine Technology Research Institute. It performs autonomous mine detection missions in coordination with the AUV.

Among the Haegum series, which will be a core force in future maritime warfare, the Haegum-II model is exhibited in actual form. The Haegum series is a maritime unmanned platform designed for future warfare, capable of performing various operations depending on mission equipment.

Haegum-II is known as a model equipped with a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) module capable of automatic deployment and recovery underwater, mounted on the stern, providing underwater surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities. Automatic deployment and recovery refer to the function of automatically deploying or retrieving underwater search equipment at sea.

Haegum-III is equipped with a 12.7mm heavy machine gun at the front as well as a 2.75-inch guided rocket launcher, and offers various attack options including a modular canister-launched self-destruct drone.

It is the first in Korea to complete sea trial performance tests in sea state 4 (maximum wave height 2.5m), enabling 24-hour operation without manned forces even in harsh maritime environments such as severe weather.

Haegum-V is a shipborne dedicated unmanned surface vessel that can separate from the mothership to identify suspicious targets and respond immediately.

A concept model of the extra-large unmanned underwater vehicle (XLUUV), called a ‘game changer’ that will revolutionize the future battlefield environment, was also showcased.

This vehicle can conduct surveillance, reconnaissance, intelligence gathering, and anti-submarine warfare in enemy waters. Through comprehensive unmanned forces spanning sea, underwater, and air domains, it is expected to expand operational range and dramatically improve the survivability of combat personnel.

As a renowned maker of guided weapons, LIG Nex1 also exhibits various maritime guided weapons such as Haegung, Haeseong, Cheongsang-eo, Bigung, and Biryong. Haegung, equipped with a vertical launch system, provides all-around ironclad defense against various threats targeting friendly ships.

The anti-ship cruise missile Haeseong can sink enemy ships beyond the horizon in a single strike and is equipped with Electronic Counter-Counter Measure (ECCM) capabilities. The precision-guided torpedo Cheongsang-eo for anti-submarine operations is currently under development to enhance detection and attack capabilities, led by the company.

Bigung, a 2.75-inch guided rocket system, was selected for the U.S. Foreign Comparative Test (FCT) program and demonstrated excellence by hitting all 10 targets during flight tests conducted under the observation of the U.S. Department of Defense evaluation team in 2019.

While operated domestically with a vehicle launch system, an export version with a naval platform launch system (NLS) has also been developed.

It is a weapon system capable of simultaneously responding to multiple targets infiltrating the coast at high speed, such as hovercraft.

Biryong, developed based on Bigung, extends the range and enhances warhead power, and is designed to be integrated with ship combat systems. It is mounted on the Navy’s next-generation high-speed patrol boats responsible for coastal defense, enabling precise strikes on surprise landing forces from a distance.

Shipborne equipment such as electronic warfare support measures (ESM) for submarines, counter-unmanned aerial systems for vessels, and electro-optical equipment from LnZ Optronics contribute to maximizing operational capabilities in future maritime surveillance and electronic warfare domains.

Kim Ji-chan, CEO of LIG Nex1, stated, “To simultaneously address the increasingly complex combat patterns of future warfare and the depletion of manpower resources, the establishment of Navy Sea GHOST is essential.” He added, “Through LIG Nex1’s accumulated experience, capabilities, and relentless passion in artificial intelligence, data link, system integration, and autonomy technologies, we will do our best to keep pace with the Navy’s efforts toward the success of Navy Sea GHOST.”