Strategic Partnership with LIG Nex1 (2025–2032)

To support this ambition, LIG Nex1 entered into a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Rotron Aerospace, a UK-based defence technology specialist in propulsion, engines, and unmanned aviation platforms. The partnership is focused on the Medium UAV Common Platform (MUCP) programme, its derivatives, and wider UAS opportunities where advanced aero propulsion systems can deliver enhanced performance, reliability, and export readiness.

This collaboration establishes a framework for long-term cooperation, combining LIG Nex1’s system-level integration expertise with Rotron Aerospace’s field-proven propulsion and aviation platform technologies.

The Challenge

As medium-class unmanned aerial systems become central to modern defence operations, programmes such as MUCP face several strategic and technical challenges:

• Scalable Platform Architecture: Developing a common UAV platform capable of supporting multiple mission variants for domestic use and international export.
• Propulsion Reliability and Endurance: Ensuring propulsion systems meet demanding operational profiles, including extended endurance, high reliability, and reduced maintenance burden.
• Export and Localisation Requirements: Balancing indigenous capability development with trusted international technologies to support localisation strategies and future global sales.
• Programme Longevity: Establishing partnerships capable of supporting long-term development, production, and in-service support over many years.

Rotron Aerospace’s Contribution

Under the MoU, Rotron Aerospace is positioned as a key propulsion and aviation platform partner across the MUCP programme and related derivative projects.

Core areas of contribution include:

• ‍Aero Propulsion Systems: Provision of advanced propulsion solutions aligned to MUCP mission requirements and future derivative platforms.‍
• Aviation Platforms: Support for unmanned aviation platform solutions where appropriate, enabling accelerated development and reduced technical risk.‍
• Documentation and Technical Support: Delivery of comprehensive technical documentation to support system integration, testing, and future certification pathways.‍
• Export Enablement: Supporting LIG Nex1’s localisation and export ambitions by supplying proven propulsion technologies suitable for international defence markets.

All activities are undertaken on a non-exclusive basis, while prioritising collaboration within the Korean market under the framework of the MoU.

This partnership with LIG Nex1 represents a strategically important step for Rotron Aerospace as we expand our international defence collaborations. By aligning our propulsion and unmanned aviation platform expertise with LIG Nex1’s system integration leadership, we are creating a strong foundation for medium UAV programmes that demand reliability, scalability, and export readiness. This MoU reflects a shared commitment to long-term cooperation and the delivery of advanced unmanned capabilities for Korea and allied markets.

_{Alex Head, CEO, Rotron Aerospace}

Strategic Impact

The partnership between LIG Nex1 and Rotron Aerospace establishes a strong foundation for the next generation of medium unmanned aerial systems:

• Accelerated Development: Reducing propulsion development risk through the integration of mature, defence-focused propulsion technologies.
• Enhanced Platform Performance: Enabling improved endurance, reliability, and mission flexibility across MUCP and derivative UAV platforms.
• Export Readiness: Strengthening the attractiveness of LIG Nex1’s UAS offerings for international customers through trusted UK defence technology.

LIG Nex1 looks forward to a strong and mutually beneficial collaboration with Rotron Aerospace. By combining our experience in integrated system development with Rotron’s leading propulsion technologies, we aim to advance the Medium UAV Common Platform and expand opportunities for both domestic Korean programmes and international exports.^‍

_{YoonKwan-seob, Vice President, Aerospace & Drone Business, LIG Nex1}

Long-Term Collaboration: Creating a durable framework for cooperation through to 2032, supporting future programmes beyond MUCP.

By aligning complementary strengths across system integration and propulsion innovation. The MoU positions both organisations to respond effectively to evolving defence requirements across Korea, the Pacific Rim, and global export markets.