Hanwha Aerospace increases Polish involvement in production of Homar-K launchers

Last summer, at Hanwha Aerospace facilities in Korea, the assembly of the first K239 Chunmoo launchers for Poland began. From the outset, they have been installed on specially armored chassis supplied from Poland, the Jelcz P882.57 TS T45 K-MLRS 8×8. The first chassis from Poland were delivered to the Korean Hanwha Aerospace facilities in May 2023. The first integrated launchers assembled in Korea were shipped to our country in the second half of August 2023 and were integrated with the Topaz fire control system and the Fonet communication system. This process was conducted by the WB Group. Thus, last year, 18 Homar-K launchers on chassis supplied from Poland were delivered to Poland.

First presentation of the K239 Chunmoo launcher on a Polish chassis at the Hanwha Aerospace plant / Photo: Corporal Wojciech Król/Polish Ministry of National Defense Operational Center

The next stage of increasing Polish participation in their production involves the assembly of launcher modules supplied from Korea, which are installed by Huta Stalowa Wola on Jelcz chassis already in Poland. The integration of the launcher with the chassis also includes the installation of the previously mentioned Topaz fire control system and the Fonet communication system supplied by the WB Group.

In early April, the president of Hanwha Aerospace Europe, Billy BooHwan Lee, announced details of the negotiated second executive contract (EC2) and the localization package associated with it.

K239 Chunmoo launcher integrated by Huta Stalowa Wola with Jelcz 8×8 chassis / Photo: Grzegorz Sobczak, MILMAG

At this stage, two elements of the manufacturing localization process are crucial. The first is transferring the production of launcher modules to Huta Stalowa Wola. The technology transfer package includes handing over the production of launchers with CGR-080 80 km range missile containers. Therefore, HSW will not only integrate modules supplied from Korea, but also manufacture them in Poland.

The second element involves adapting the K239 Chunmoo launchers to fire 122 mm caliber rockets currently used in Langusta launchers. Military Aviation Works No. 2 (WZL-2) will be responsible for developing the launcher container for these rockets and integrating it with the launcher. This will enable Polish launchers to utilize 122 mm rockets produced by Mesko. Of course, these launchers will also be equipped with fire control and communication systems provided by the WB Group.

As part of the further localization process, the Korean side intends to continue transferring expertise related to Chunmoo launchers to the Polish industry. This time, the provided technologies will enable local production of compatible missiles with 80 kilometer range, as well as involve the Polish industry in research and development efforts related to the development and production of long-range missiles.

At this stage, the Mesko facilities in Skarżysko-Kamienna stand to benefit the most. Their production capabilities are to be increased specifically for the production of guided rocket missiles CGR-080. The Korean side emphasizes that few countries in the world have the expertise to produce or even assemble rocket missiles for their own needs.

One of the Homar-K system launchers belonging to the 16th Mechanized Division / Photo: 18th Mechanized Divisioa

Representatives of Hanwha Aerospace Europe assure that the proposed technological cooperation leading to the development of manufacturing competencies and the localization of CGR-080 missile production will be meticulously planned step by step. This approach will help ensure that the technology is properly absorbed and manufacturing processes are effectively implemented, overcoming any encountered limitations. This will ensure a steady increase in the manufacturing capabilities of Polish companies.

On October 19, 2022, the Armament Agency – State Treasury signed a framework agreement with Hanwha Aerospace for the acquisition of 288 multi-launch rocket systems K239 Chunmoo under the Homar program, while on November 4, 2022, an executive contract was concluded for 218 modules of multi-launch rocket systems K239 Chunmoo along with logistic and training packages, ammunition stockpiles including several thousand precision-guided missiles with 80 km range (239 mm CGR-080) and 290 km range (600 mm Ure-II / KTSSM Block-II), as well as technical support from the manufacturer. The contract is worth 3.55 billion USD net. Deliveries of all ordered launchers are expected to be completed by 2027.