S.Korea’s LIG Nex1 Reveals Modular Missiles for Smarter, Swarm-Ready Strikes

South Korea’s LIG Nex1 has introduced a pair of modular missiles that blend autonomy, payload flexibility, and multi-mission versatility.

The first is a 250-pound (113-kilogram) missile built for strike, surveillance, and electronic warfare (EW) missions, depending on the payload it carries.

The second is a 1,000-pound (454-kilogram) missile optimized for long-range attacks on land and sea targets, using AI guidance and low-altitude flight to avoid detection.

Compact Missile, Multiple Roles

Made from carbon composite materials and a stealthy airframe, the smaller missile is engineered to behave more like a drone than a conventional munition.

It supports a wide range of payloads, including thermal seekers, decoys, warheads, surveillance sensors, and EW modules. It can also be configured as a glider or powered missile.

In swarm operations, the missile can be used for roles beyond striking, such as jamming and spoofing enemy radars or acting as communication relays.

Developers aim to complete concept research by 2025 and deliver a prototype by 2028.

Heavy Missile, Smarter Strike

The heavier missile shares the same modular architecture but is tuned for precision strikes at range.

It supports various seekers and warheads, and uses imaging infrared to follow terrain and autonomously identify targets.

Comparable in size to Norway’s Naval Strike Missile, it is designed to be easily reconfigured to match shifting mission requirements.

Development will focus on ground-launched operations from 2025 to 2029, followed by air-launched testing in 2032.