LX Pantos has successfully completed a complex international defense logistics project involving the transportation of air-to-air missiles (AAMs) from France to South Korea for the Republic of Korea Marine Corps’ Marine Attack Helicopter (MAH) programme. The logistics project was undertaken for Korea Aerospace Industries (KAI), which is involved in the programme led by the Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA).
The AAMs were shipped by a European defense contractor from Châteauroux Airport in France to Incheon International Airport in South Korea on a dedicated charter flight arranged by LX Pantos. Following their arrival, the missiles were transported by road to a Republic of Korea Marine Corps unit in Pohang.
Given the nature of the cargo, LX Pantos deployed a dedicated charter aircraft, with the missiles transported as the sole cargo. The shipment was classified as Class 1 explosives, Division 1.2, Compatibility Group E, requiring stringent security and safety controls throughout the transportation process.
The international movement of dangerous goods such as defense materials requires specialised logistics expertise and strict compliance with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) Dangerous Goods Regulations, as well as applicable national aviation safety requirements. For the project, LX Pantos secured overflight clearances from 14 countries across Europe, the Middle East and Asia.
The company also coordinated multiple stages of the transportation process through its global logistics network, including its European subsidiaries, ensuring continuity between air and road transportation. The project required close coordination among international stakeholders and adherence to rigorous safety, security and regulatory requirements.
LX Pantos has been strengthening its defense logistics business following an “Excellent” rating in a 2024 security assessment conducted by Korea’s Defense Counterintelligence Command. The company has also achieved Assessment Level 3 (AL3), the highest level under the Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange (TISAX), demonstrating its capability to meet stringent international information security standards.
An LX Pantos official said the successful completion of the project demonstrated the company’s capabilities in safety, security and specialised logistics operations. The company will continue to expand its defense logistics services and support customers involved in international defense programmes.
Established in 1977, LX Pantos is a Korea-headquartered global logistics provider offering integrated logistics solutions across sea, air, rail and contract logistics. Its global network extends across more than 40 countries, supporting customers with international transportation and supply chain services.
