LIG Nex1 CEO Shin Ik-hyun recently held a meeting with Alexandre Lang, Country Director of Safran Korea, to explore potential collaboration opportunities across defense and aerospace industries. The discussion took place on April 2 at LIG Nex1’s Seoul office, where both parties exchanged views on joint projects spanning air defense systems, avionics, electronic warfare, and space technologies. This meeting underscores LIG Nex1’s strategic shift from being a pure defense player to becoming an integrated defense-aerospace company.
Safran, a global aerospace leader renowned for aircraft and rocket engines, has been actively expanding its presence in Korea since establishing its local subsidiary in 2014. The French company has previously partnered with Korean firms like Hanwha on inertial navigation systems and with KAI on components for the T-50 trainer aircraft. During the meeting, Lang emphasized the importance of sovereign defense capabilities as a key driver for international partnerships. He later shared on LinkedIn that the discussion highlighted shared values between the two companies in advancing defense technologies.
For LIG Nex1, this collaboration aligns with its broader vision to strengthen Korea’s space industry capabilities. The company is currently involved in developing Korea’s Satellite Navigation System (KPS) with a target launch date of 2035 and is participating in microsatellite programs led by Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration. CEO Shin has been vocal about the need for stronger government-industry collaboration to help Korean aerospace firms compete with global leaders like SpaceX.
The potential partnership could combine LIG Nex1’s expertise in precision-guided weapons and surveillance systems with Safran’s technological leadership in aerospace propulsion and avionics. Both companies are expected to continue discussions on specific project opportunities in the coming months. This development comes as Korea seeks to expand its domestic aerospace and defense capabilities amid growing global demand for advanced military and space technologies.
LIG Nex1 has been actively investing in space infrastructure, including the construction of a new satellite testing facility, as part of its long-term strategy to become a major player in the space sector. The company’s engagement with Safran represents a significant step in its transformation from a traditional defense contractor to a diversified aerospace and technology enterprise.
