Calidus Holding Group, a prominent defense and manufacturing company, has signed a strategic partnership with LIG Nex1, a leading South Korean defense company known for its advanced electronic and precision-guided systems.
The collaboration aims to establish missile manufacturing capabilities in the UAE, marking a significant milestone in their growing partnership and contributing to the continued strengthening of the UAE’s national defense industries.
The agreement was signed by Tareq Abdul Rahim Al Hosani, Chairman of Calidus Holding Group, and Bon Sang Koo, Chairman of LIG Group, in the presence of senior executives from both companies, on the sidelines of the Dubai Airshow 2025.
The new joint venture company will focus on co-developing next-generation air defense systems, establishing joint production lines, and nurturing local engineering talent, aligning with the UAE’s national strategy to enhance indigenous defense manufacturing under the ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision.
Both parties also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) expressing their intent to explore future cooperation in air defense systems, including multi-layered air defense systems, enhanced C2 systems, radars, and next-generation air defense solutions.
Dr. Khalifa Murad Alblooshi MD and CEO Calidus Holding Group
“This joint venture marks a pivotal step in advancing the UAE’s defense manufacturing capabilities and strengthening our global partnerships. By combining Calidus’ vision and industrial expertise with LIG Nex1’s proven technologies, we are laying the foundation for a new era of localized, highly efficient defense solutions. This partnership reflects our strategic commitment to building a strong national local industrial ecosystem in the UAE, one that is globally connected yet firmly rooted in local capability.”
For this part, Ickhyun Shin, CEO of LIG Nex1, said that, “This partnership marks a significant step towards deepening our cooperation and building advanced local manufacturing capabilities in the UAE. Together with Calidus Holding Group, we aim to deliver cutting-edge defense solutions that strengthen the UAE’s industrial defense ecosystem and foster sustainable technological growth.”
These agreements represent a major milestone in the ongoing collaboration between Calidus and LIG Nex1, paving the way for localized defense production, advanced technology transfer, and future joint development in the UAE, reinforcing the shared interests of both parties.
