On Thursday, May 22, 2025, South Korean broadcaster Bemil TV reported that between May 15 and 30, Polish artillerymen from the 18th Artillery Brigade of the 18th Mechanized Division are participating in the first international training in the Republic of Korea for users of the K239 Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher system (introduced into service with the Polish Armed Forces in a localized version as Homar-K).
Photos: Hanwha Aerospace
As part of the two-week 1st Army International Course 2025 (KAIC), a total of 16 Polish officers and non-commissioned officers will be trained alongside 16 of their South Korean counterparts. The course is being conducted by the Chunmoo 2nd Training Corps at a military base in Paju, Gyeonggi Province. It follows the success of a similar training event held in 2024, initiated at the request of partner nations seeking more training opportunities related to Korean defense equipment.
The Polish soldiers arrived in the Republic of Korea on May 15, when the hosts organized a welcome ceremony attended by Major General Jong-Rae Cho, Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces Information Operations Division. Before the course began, participants visited defense industry companies and support units, including the main maintenance depot of the 1st Logistics Support Brigade.
The training focuses on improving practical operational skills in the use of multiple rocket launcher systems, combining both theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience. Participants gain specialized knowledge in various aspects of tactical operations, including fire missions, field equipment maintenance, and crisis response.
According to Bemil TV, the Polish soldiers are particularly engaged in the training, frequently reviewing the material and asking detailed questions about topics that interest them. Meanwhile, the Korean soldiers are developing their foreign language communication skills and international outlook through one-on-one interactions with the Polish military personnel, thereby enhancing their qualities as global leaders.
To maximize the educational impact, the Korean Army translated the K239 Chunmoo technical manual into English and provided it to the Polish soldiers. In addition, they are offering real-time English translation support throughout the training.
Acting Chief of Staff of the Republic of Korea Army (Daehanminguk Yukgun), General Ko Chang-jun, who visited the training site on May 21, addressed the Polish soldiers, saying: “This international course is an excellent example that significantly contributes to military cooperation and friendship between Korea and Poland.” He emphasized: “This is a training course carefully prepared by the Republic of Korea’s top instructors, so I hope you will successfully complete the remainder of the program and that you will see, learn, and experience a great deal. I also hope this will be a valuable time for you to build friendships with your Korean counterparts, who have been paired with you one-on-one.”
Major Tomasz Kuciński from the 18th Artillery Brigade, who is present at the training, said: “I had the opportunity to experience the powerful firepower and high mobility of the Chunmoo system in Poland, so participating in Chunmoo training in Korea is very meaningful to me.” He added: “By observing the automated fire control system and the skilled operators, I could clearly see the excellence of the Chunmoo system and the outstanding training program of the Korean Army.”
Captain Na Woo-jin, commander of a K239 Chunmoo battery from the 2nd Armored Brigade, who is also participating in the training, said: “We are taking part in this training with pride, to demonstrate to foreign soldiers the excellent performance of South Korean weapons systems and the quality of our training program, and to learn together.” He also stated: “This is a valuable opportunity to deepen mutual understanding and foster development by spending time with the Polish military in a one-on-one setting.”
In the future, the Korean Army plans to provide customized training to key countries engaged in defense cooperation and that have purchased Korean-made weapon systems—such as the K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers and K2 Heuk-Pyo (Black Panther) tanks—through international training courses. This policy aims not only to increase the satisfaction of purchasing nations but also to strengthen military diplomatic relations with these countries.
Additionally, the government in Seoul plans to actively support the export of domestic defense industry products by informing potential buyers about the advantages of Korean equipment, as well as its education and training systems.
Meanwhile, in July and October of this year, the Korean Army plans to conduct additional international courses, dividing them into basic and advanced levels depending on each country’s procurement status and the education and training needs of its military personnel.
Polish soldiers are undergoing operational training in South Korea on the K239 Chunmoo system – the original platform behind the Homar-K.
This program, led by the ROK Army, reflects the depth of 🇵🇱🇰🇷 defense cooperation and commitment to long-term capability building.#HomarK… pic.twitter.com/cJYwOFHZWp— Hanwha Aerospace Europe (@HanwhaEurope) May 22, 2025
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