View of the LIG D&A booth at the Sea-Air-Space &#40;SAS&#41; 2026 exhibition / Courtesy of LIG D&A

LIG Defense & Aerospace (LIG D&A·079550) said on the 21st it will participate in the Sea-Air-Space (SAS) 2026 maritime defense exhibition, held in Maryland in the United States for three days starting April 20.

The exhibition is the largest maritime defense event in the United States. LIG D&A plans to target the United States defense market — the world’s largest — by showcasing its 2.75-inch guided rocket Poniard, close-in weapon system (CIWS-II), and explosive unmanned surface vehicles.

To maximize synergy in maritime solutions, LIG D&A has set up a joint booth with HD Hyundai Heavy Industries. At the front of the exhibition hall, the company placed its key product, the 2.75-inch guided rocket (Poniard).

Poniard previously demonstrated its performance by hitting all six targets during the final test launch of the Foreign Comparative Testing (FCT) conducted off the coast of Hawaii in the United States in July 2024.

In particular, it recorded a 100% hit rate with zero error throughout the entire five-year FCT program conducted from 2019, raising expectations for entry into the United States market. This is also evaluated as the first case demonstrating a future unmanned operational concept jointly established by the South Korean and U.S. navies.

In addition to Poniard, the company will introduce the 130 mm ship-to-ship guided rocket “Biryong,” the CIWS-II ship defense system, and explosive unmanned surface vehicles that have recently gained attention as asymmetric warfare assets.

Through this, LIG D&A aims to showcase its capabilities as a comprehensive defense solutions provider that goes beyond individual weapon systems to encompass a wide range of operational concepts.

A company official said, “Based on our guided missile technology already proven through Cheongung-II, we will accelerate entry into the United States market,” adding, “As a trusted partner of the United States, we will strive to contribute to the Korea-U.S. alliance and become a key player in K-defense exports.”

LIG Defense & Aerospace (LIG D&A·079550) said on the 21st it will participate in the Sea-A …

“Targeting U.S. defense market with ‘Poniard’”…LIG D&A participates in SAS 2026