LIG Nex1 showcases “Poniard” low-cost guided imaging rocket at RIMPAC 2022

South Korean defense company LIG Nex1 is showcasing its “Poniard” low-cost guided imaging rocket (K-LOGIR) at RIMPAC 2022.

The company is cooperating with both the Republic of Korea Navy and South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) to expand export opportunities for the country’s defense industry at RIMPAC 2022.

The Poniard / K-LOGIR has a range of 8 km and was jointly developed by South Korea’s Agency for Defense Development and LIG Nex1, with work being completed in 2016.

The 2.75-inch rocket has an onboard guidance system, allowing the operator to “fire-and-forget” once the missile has been launched.

In addition to this, the rocket’s fire control systems can be integrated onto vehicles, such as trucks, giving it great flexibility.

Another noteworthy feature of the K-LOGIR is its low price. At $31,000, it is considerably cheaper than other comparable systems.

In 2019, the system became the first South Korean-made weapon to complete a Foreign Comparative Test.

During the test, the K-LOGIR successfully hit the target during all 10 launches conducted.

LIG Nex1 is carrying out a joint marketing campaign for the system with Raytheon. In August 2021, the two companies displayed the Poniard at the Sea-Air-Space Exposition 2021.

The launcher of these missiles can be placed on trucks or even on boats.

The LIG Nex1 company advertises its missile system as a means against boats and sea landings.

It is likely that air-to-ship and air-to-ground K-LOGIR variants may also be developed.