South Korean defense company LIG Nex1 has entered a strategic partnership with U.K.-based advanced defense technology firm Rotron Aerospace to accelerate the development of next-generation medium-sized unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
The collaboration aims to combine Rotron’s high-performance aviation engine technology with LIG Nex1’s system integration expertise, as global demand for unmanned systems continues to surge. The partnership is expected to strengthen South Korea’s UAV sovereignty capabilities and serve as a stepping stone for expanded regional and international exports.
On December 10, the two companies signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at Rotron’s headquarters in Dorset, U.K., outlining cooperation on UAV development, integration, and exports. The agreement focuses on the Medium Unmanned Common Platform (MUCP) program and related derivative projects, leveraging Rotron’s propulsion technology alongside LIG Nex1’s system design, integration, and testing capabilities. The MoU is set to remain in effect until 2032, with both parties planning phased technology roadmaps and joint research initiatives.
Through this collaboration, the companies aim to shorten development timelines and bolster South Korea’s domestic UAV capabilities. The combined expertise is expected to enhance competitiveness not only for MUCP but also across a variety of domestic and international UAV programs.
“Partnering with Rotron will be a critical milestone for improving MUCP performance and expanding into domestic and overseas markets,” said Yoon Kwan-seop, head of LIG Nex1’s Aerospace Drone Division. “By merging propulsion technology with system integration capabilities, we aim to deliver a competitive next-generation UAV solution.”
Gilo Cardozo, CTO of Rotron Aerospace, added, “We are proud to collaborate with LIG Nex1, a globally recognized leader in defense. The fusion of our technologies will significantly enhance the performance, reliability, and operational reach of next-generation unmanned platforms.”
The partnership is seen as a key step in reinforcing South Korea’s UAV development autonomy while positioning both companies for long-term competitiveness in the Indo-Pacific and global UAV markets.
