Combat-proven missile interceptor deal drives LIG’s R&D push in UAE

LIG D&A, whose missile interceptor systems drew global attention after being used by the UAE during the Iran conflict, plans to establish an research and development (R&D) center and maintenance facilities in the Gulf nation within the year.

The planned entity is expected to span R&D, maintenance, repair and overhaul, and supply chain integration, as part of a broader push to localize defense capabilities in the Gulf. Construction of manufacturing facilities also remains on the table, though the venture's exact scope is still under discussion.

The move comes after LIG D&A signed a memorandum of understanding with the Tawazun Council for Defence Enablement, the UAE government authority responsible for defense acquisitions, industrial development and regulation of the defense and security sector, to expand bilateral defense cooperation. 

The agreement was reached during Make it in the Emirates 2026, the UAE's flagship industrial forum hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology, which is being held Monday to Thursday at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

The partnership is anchored in supporting the UAE’s drive to localize its defense industry and strengthen national security capabilities. LIG D&A and Tawazun agreed to explore cooperation in establishing a local entity, conducting joint research and development, supporting maintenance operations and integrating supply chains.

“We plan to enter the market together with our partner companies,” said Shin Dong-kyu, a media relations representative at LIG D&A. “We are looking at setting up a defense industry cluster in the UAE, where Korean defense suppliers can expand together.”

While earlier reports from media mentioned the possibility of a manufacturing hub, LIG D&A said such plans have not been finalized.

“Manufacturing is within the scope of consideration, but there has been no concrete progress yet,” Shin said, adding that it would be premature to define the entity as a production base.

The timeline for establishing the local entity also remains flexible, though it is expected within the year.  

The UAE represents the second-largest defense market in the Middle East after Saudi Arabia. Its defense budget reached approximately $32.9 billion last year.

BY KIM MIN-YOUNG [[email protected]]