South Korea and Poland set up joint venture to produce guided missiles for Homar-K air defence systems
South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace and Poland's WB Group have signed an agreement to establish a joint venture to produce guided missiles in Poland.
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The new venture will operate under the Homar-K programme, the Polish version of the South Korean K239 Chunmoo multiple launch rocket system. Hanwha will receive a controlling stake (51%), while WB Electronics will own 49%. The establishment of the company must be approved by the Polish Antimonopoly Committee.
The signing ceremony was attended by representatives of the governments of both countries, including Polish Deputy Defence Minister Pawel Bejda, South Korean Ambassador Hongmin Lim, and Hanwha Aerospace and WB Group management.
According to Hanwha representatives, the company will strengthen Poland's defence capabilities and expand the country's production base. According to the plan, the company will produce CGR-80 guided missiles with a range of up to 80 km, which are intended for Homar-K MLRS. The prospects for exporting these missiles to other European countries will also be considered.
The Korean K239 Chunmoo (Homar-K) missile system. Illustration: Agencja Uzbrojenia
WB Group CEO Piotr Wojciechowski stressed that the launch of production in Poland is a strategic step towards strengthening the country's military independence. The plant will provide jobs for Polish engineers and workers, as well as stimulate the creation of a local supply chain.
As part of the Homar-K programme, Hanwha has already signed two contracts with Poland for the supply of 290 Chunmoo artillery systems, which can fire guided missiles up to 290 km. The Polish side is also actively involved in the production process, integrating the systems on its own Jelcz 8×8 chassis and using Poland's Topaz combat control system.
Source: Defence Industry Europe
