News
LIG D&A and Rheinmetall explore joint venture to deliver multi-layered air defense systems for Europe and NATO
2026.06.16
- Strategic partnership launched to supply state-of-the-art air defense systems to the European region
- Discussions underway to form a joint venture in Europe to meet demand for multi-layered air defense
LIG Defense & Aerospace (LIG D&A) and Rheinmetall Air Defence (Rheinmetall) have entered into a strategic partnership, embarking on broad-based cooperation to provide advanced air defense systems across Europe and NATO member states.
With demand for multi-layered air defense surging across Europe, the two companies are discussing ways to provide integrated air defense solutions tailored to customer requirements. As a first step, they are holding in-depth discussions on forming a joint venture in Europe.
This collaboration will strengthen the capabilities of the two companies to deliver “end-to-end turnkey solutions” in the European market, leveraging their highly complementary product portfolios. They have agreed to pursue practical cooperation, including establishing a stable European supply chain and undertaking joint development projects to address growing demand for multi-layered air defense capabilities.
Specifically, the partnership will combine LIG D&A's medium- and long-range air defense missile systems with Rheinmetall's very short-range air defense (VSHORAD) capabilities to support localized development, production, and marketing in the European market. Both partners also plan to co-develop new missile systems for short-range air defense (SHORAD) to provide comprehensive solutions spanning every layer of the air defense architecture from very short to long range.
Rheinmetall is a global leader in ground-based air defense, with extensive capabilities in high-performance guns and weapon systems, sensor and fire control systems, integrated command and control systems, mobile and fixed air defense, counter-drone solutions, ammunition, and system components.
As one of Korea's leading defense companies, LIG D&A has developed and mass-produced advanced multi-layered air defense solutions, including the L-SAM, a long-range surface-to-air missile; the M-SAM II (Cheongung-II), a medium-range surface-to-air missile; and the KP-SAM Chiron (Shingung), a portable short-range air defense weapon. The complementary strengths of LIG D&A and Rheinmetall are expected to create significant synergies. Furthermore, with the recent opening of a European office in Munich, Germany, LIG D&A is demonstrating its strong commitment to expanding its presence in the European defense market.
Shin Ik-hyun, President and CEO of LIG D&A, said, “We are delighted to embark on this strategic partnership with Rheinmetall at a pivotal time when Europe is accelerating the modernization of its defense capabilities. We are committed to advancing sustainable cooperation across a wide range of areas, including R&D and marketing.”
Oliver Dürr, CEO of Rheinmetall Air Defence, said, “Together, LIG D&A and Rheinmetall offer a highly complementary product portfolio well aligned with the market's immediate needs and future challenges. Through this partnership, we look forward to providing a broader spectrum of air defense capabilities to our European customers.”