Hanwha Secures Deal to Deliver 288 Chunmoo Rocket Launchers to Poland
Hanwha Defense and Poland initiated a Framework Agreement on October 19 for the provision of 288 K239 Chunmoo Multiple Rocket Launcher Systems (MRLS).
The pact was formalized by Son Jaeil, President and CEO of Hanwha Defense, alongside Polish Deputy Prime Minister M. Blaszczak in Warsaw. Key participants included Yoo Dong-joon, Deputy Minister of Defense for Force and Resource Management from the Ministry of National Defense, and Sung Il, Deputy Minister of the Defense Acquisition Program Administration.
“I wish to express gratitude for the highly productive defense collaboration between Poland and South Korea,” remarked Blaszczak, who also holds the title of defense minister, during the signing event. “The assessment of the conflict in Ukraine highlights the significant value of artillery. As a result, we opted to enhance Polish artillery, particularly focusing on rocket artillery.”
The K239 Chunmoo is a self-propelled wheeled MRLS adept at firing various shell calibers. The launcher platform accommodates two missile containers, each capable of holding up to six 239mm guided missiles with an approximate range of 80 kilometers, or one ballistic missile with a reach of around 290 kilometers.
Under the framework deal, the initial batch of 18 Chunmoo artillery systems and munitions is set for delivery to the Polish Armed Forces in 2023, complementing the substantial acquisition of K9 Self-Propelled Howitzers announced in July of this year. The inaugural batch of 24 K9 howitzers was dispatched on October 19 from Hanwha Defense’s production facility in Changwon, situated roughly 300 kilometers southeast of Seoul.
The Polish adaptation of the Chunmoo MRLS will be integrated with Polish subsystems, including JELCZ trucks produced by the Polish Armaments Group and TOPAZ automated fire control systems developed by WB Electronics. The systems will also incorporate Polish communication tools and a battlefield management framework. Contracts are anticipated to be awarded to Polish industrial firms for the provision of command vehicles, support vehicles, munitions, and technical assessment vehicles.
“Through close collaboration with PGZ, Hanwha is dedicated to optimizing benefits for the Polish industry,” stated Lee Boo-hwan, Executive Vice President of Hanwha Defense’s Overseas Business Division, referring to efforts in jointly developing next-generation weapon systems and executing joint marketing initiatives with Polish allies.
“Chunmoo is a pivotal component of South Korea’s self-sustaining defense capacity, and this advanced artillery system will play roles in safeguarding the Polish border. The Polish Chunmoo MRLS will be delivered as quickly as possible to aid in the military enhancement of Poland,” conveyed Son Jaeil, President and CEO of Hanwha Defense. “Furthermore, Hanwha will exert its utmost efforts to forge a robust and dependable partnership with Poland by identifying additional collaboration opportunities beyond the defense sector.”
