Babcock and LIG D&A team up on AH-140 frigate, missiles and unmanned systems

July 23, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

Babcock and South Korean defense company LIG Defence & Aerospace (LIG D&A) have signed a strategic cooperation agreement aimed at expanding collaboration across naval and defense programmes, including frigate design, weapons systems, maintenance support and unmanned technologies.

The agreement builds on a memorandum of understanding signed between the two companies in November 2024 and establishes a framework to identify opportunities for joint development and delivery of defence solutions for customers in international markets.

Under the partnership, Babcock and LIG D&A will explore the integration of LIG D&A capabilities into Babcock’s global supply chain, as well as the development of an AH-140 frigate concept incorporating LIG equipment.

The companies will also examine cooperation in areas including launch systems, precision-guided munitions, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), through-life support, robotics, autonomy and unmanned systems.

Babcock said the partnership combines its experience in engineering, support and mission-critical operations with LIG D&A’s technology and manufacturing capabilities to address evolving defence and security requirements.

“Together, the companies offer a credible and compelling proposition for partnership, combining complementary capabilities, deep engineering expertise and global reach to pursue opportunities in key international markets,” said Nick Hine, Chief Growth Officer at Babcock.

LIG D&A President of the Global Business Group, Hans Lee, said the agreement would support efforts to strengthen competitiveness in global markets.

“We will continue to expand our partnership to provide differentiated, integrated defence solutions to customers worldwide,” Lee said.

Babcock has maintained a presence in South Korea through Babcock Korea, including an assembly, maintenance, repair and overhaul facility in Busan supporting the Republic of Korea Navy program.

The company has supplied its weapon handling and launch system (WHLS) for South Korea’s KSS-III submarine programme and has established several strategic partnerships with Korean defense companies.