[비즈한국] LIG Nex1079550 will unveil its 'Medium-Sized Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Common Platform' (MUCP) for the first time at the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition (ADEX). The MUCP is a model set to become the foundation for future ROK Army division-level UAVs, and is expected to be officially adopted following military trial operations. Beyond having superior flight performance compared to current division-level UAVs, the MUCP is highly anticipated for its export potential, as it can be developed into various variants, including attack types equipped with kamikaze drones or electronic warfare types carrying jamming equipment.
On October 14, LIG Nex1 released a teaser video on Instagram for items to be exhibited at the 2025 Seoul ADEX, which begins on the 20th. Much like new product teaser ads from IT companies, it used a technique of showing only a dark silhouette of the product without specific explanations. Investigation revealed that the product featured in the video, titled "Eyes on the Future," is the Medium-Sized Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Common Platform.
The Medium-Sized Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Common Platform (MUCP) is a project to acquire a vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) fixed-wing UAV capable of performing division-level surveillance and reconnaissance missions for the Army through a rapid research and development program. The project is managed by the 3rd Systems Division of the Agency for Defense Development (ADD)'s 1st Technology Research Institute, with LIG Nex1 in charge of prototype production.
The MUCP has two major characteristics. First, it is a division-level reconnaissance UAV with VTOL capabilities. Unlike current models, it does not require a runway and can be operated from any small, level patch of ground. Second, it utilizes a modular design, which is why the term "platform" is used, allowing it to adapt to various missions. Depending on the mission, the MUCP can selectively operate Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) sensors and Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR). It can also be equipped with electronic warfare (jamming) gear, small guided missiles, or small attack drones.
In other words, as a division-level UAV, the MUCP performs surveillance and reconnaissance missions and can swap its sensor equipment based on weather or operational conditions. In contingencies, it can perform electronic warfare against enemy UAVs or ground equipment, and execute rapid strike missions against identified targets. It can also carry small guided missiles or operate as a loitering munition to wait in the air until an enemy emerges from cover, enabling it to strike mobile targets.
To support this, the MUCP is designed with the ability to adjust its center of gravity by shifting battery mounts and internal equipment locations when modular payloads are installed. This allows for stable mounting of various additional equipment while reducing the risk of accidents.
The MUCP project began in December 2023 with a total budget of 49.9 billion KRW. Following a prototype production contract in August 2024 and passing the Critical Design Review (CDR) in March 2025, production commenced. Starting with its first flight at the end of this year, the platform is scheduled to be deployed to ROK Army trial operation units in May 2026 for performance verification through the end of that year.
The MUCP aims for a maximum take-off weight of 340kg, a top speed of 160km/h, an operational altitude of 3km or more, an endurance of 5 hours or more, and an operational radius of at least 80km. It is similar in size to the SHADOW® M2 by the U.S. company Textron. Like its competitor, the Turkish Bayraktar TB2, it is a multi-purpose military UAV capable of carrying guided missiles and attack drones. However, because the MUCP is significantly smaller than the Bayraktar TB2, it is expected to have strong competitiveness in the export market, signaling a bright outlook.