11 Sep 2025 Croatian Defence Industry on the Global Stage
DOK-ING AND KOREAN LIG NEX1 SIGNED A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW GENERATION OF UNMANNED GROUND SYSTEMS
SEOUL, 11 September 2025 – Croatian innovation hub DOK-ING and South Korean company LIG Nex1 have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, opening a new chapter of strategic industrial cooperation in the field of unmanned ground systems, to strengthen defence capabilities and jointly approach global markets.
The agreement, signed during the official visit of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić to the Republic of Korea, defines areas of cooperation and establishes a solid foundation for further technical and commercial negotiations. This cooperation lays the groundwork for the joint development of advanced solutions in the field of unmanned ground systems and creates opportunities for the integration of enhanced defence capabilities.
In doing so, the partnership is positioned as an important step in building technologically competitive solutions that can meet the needs of modern security and defence systems. DOK-ING will contribute to the development and production of advanced unmanned platforms, while LIG Nex1 will ensure further enhancement through the integration of advanced solutions and testing within the Korean Armed Forces, steering the project towards rapid operationalisation and global commercial sustainability.
“This cooperation represents an important step forward in strengthening the ties between the Croatian and Korean defence industries, but also a broader opportunity for economic cooperation between our two countries.
We are proud that the Croatian company DOK-ING has been recognised as a partner in this technologically demanding field. This not only confirms the expertise and innovativeness of the Croatian defence industry but also opens the door for other Croatian companies to access the Korean market. The Korean defence industry is extremely high-quality, precise, and competitive, and by connecting with Croatian companies, we are creating the foundations for long-term cooperation. This partnership contributes to strengthening security and economic development in Croatia. I congratulate DOK-ING and LIG Nex1 on this significant step,” stated Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić.
DOK-ING has been present in South Korea since 2020, where it also has a subsidiary, and has so far delivered 14 MV-4 demining unmanned systems. Korea has demonstrated solidarity with Ukraine by donating DOK-ING robotic systems (MV-10, MV-4) through KOICA donations. With Croatian support, Ukraine has been developing its own national comprehensive mine action system, with more than 20 million square metres of territory cleared using DOK-ING robotic systems – without a single human casualty.
“The cooperation with LIG Nex1 is a confirmation of DOK-ING’s vision as well as of the quality and competitiveness of the Croatian defence industry on the global stage. Our partnership not only contributes to technological progress but also opens new opportunities for joint development and application of innovative solutions in different security environments. These will meet the needs of security and defence systems worldwide by enabling the development of unmanned systems that comply with the highest technical and operational standards. Through this cooperation, DOK-ING will further enhance its technological capacities and expand its presence on the global market,” said Gordan Pešić, CEO of DOK-ING Security and Defence, adding that the procurement of the first platform into the Korean military infrastructure confirms the value of DOK-ING’s advanced solutions.
This is not DOK-ING’s first partnership with global companies. In October 2024, DOK-ING and the German defence group Rheinmetall signed a memorandum on establishing a joint venture for the development of unmanned combat and non-combat systems. The projects are based on the multipurpose Komodo platform, with Rheinmetall contributing mission modules for weaponry, reconnaissance, logistics, and combat systems management.
Together with the Croatian company Orqa, DOK-ING is developing manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) technologies for dual-use purposes, integrating DOK-ING unmanned ground systems with Orqa unmanned aerial systems, thereby increasing operational efficiency and safety in various missions.These initiatives confirm DOK-ING’s strategic approach in developing and expanding its technologies into global markets through cooperation with leading international partners and local actors.
About DOK-ING
DOK-ING Ltd. is an innovation hub of the Croatian industry and a leader in the development and production of highly sophisticated robotic systems for special purposes. The group comprises three business units: DOK-ING Security and Defence, DOK-ING Energy, and DOK-ING Mining. Operating under the motto “Don’t send a man to do a machine’s job”, the company has gained an international reputation as a leading global supplier of advanced systems intended for military engineering, humanitarian demining, firefighting, and critical infrastructure protection.
The company prides itself on its high standards of quality and innovation and continuously invests in research and development of new technologies. DOK-ING holds over 80% of the global market share in the humanitarian demining segment and is present in more than 40 countries worldwide. The company’s headquarters are in Zagreb, with branch offices and subsidiaries in Ukraine, North America, Africa and Asia.
About LIG Nex1
LIG Nex1 is a leading Korean defence and aerospace company engaged in the development and production of advanced systems, including missile systems, unmanned aerial vehicles, and communication technologies. The company is renowned for its innovativeness and high technological standards, and has a strong presence in the global defence industry market. The cooperation with DOK-ING will enable LIG Nex1 to expand its portfolio of unmanned ground systems and strengthen its position in international markets.
