South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace and Poland’s WB Group have finalized a landmark agreement to produce guided missiles domestically for the K239 Chunmoo multiple launch rocket system (MLRS). The contract, signed on April 15, 2025, marks a pivotal step in Poland’s efforts to bolster its defense industry and enhance its strategic autonomy within NATO.
The agreement between Hanwha Aerospace and WB Electronics, a subsidiary of WB Group, focuses on the local production of the 80-kilometer-range CGR-80 guided missiles. These missiles are specifically designed for the Polish variant of the Chunmoo system, known as HOMAR-K. The collaboration aims to deliver Poland’s first domestically produced long-range precision missile within three years, significantly ahead of previous projections that targeted 2029.
“We expect to produce Poland’s first long-range precision missile within three years,” WB Group stated on social media platform X. This acceleration underscores the urgency and commitment both nations place on enhancing Poland’s defense capabilities amid evolving regional security dynamics.
Poland’s pursuit of advanced defense systems has been a response to increasing security concerns in Eastern Europe. In 2022, Hanwha Aerospace signed a basic agreement with the Polish Armaments Agency to supply 290 Chunmoo systems, valued at approximately $5.3 billion. This was followed by a contract for 218 systems in November 2022 and another deal in April 2024 adding 72 launchers, including both the CGR-80 and the longer-range 290km CTM-290 missiles.
These acquisitions are part of Poland’s broader strategy to modernize its military and reduce reliance on foreign suppliers. By integrating advanced systems like the Chunmoo MLRS, Poland aims to enhance its deterrence capabilities and contribute more robustly to NATO’s collective defense posture.
The finalized contract signifies a shift toward deeper industrial cooperation, aligning with Poland’s efforts to strengthen its domestic defense manufacturing capabilities. Hanwha Aerospace CEO Michael A. Cutter emphasized the importance of this partnership during his recent visit to Poland.
“This is not just about exports. It’s about building true industrial partnerships that guarantee local capability and readiness,” Cutter stated during meetings with WB Group and other Polish firms. His remarks highlight the mutual benefits of technology transfer and local production, which not only bolster Poland’s defense industry but also open new markets for Hanwha Aerospace in Europe.
The collaboration extends beyond missile production. In February 2023, WB Electronics and Hanwha Aerospace concluded an agreement to integrate Polish command and control systems with Chunmoo missile launcher modules. This includes the integration of the digital vehicle communication platform FONET, the TOPAZ battlefield management system, and two radio systems provided by RADMOR, a subsidiary of WB Group, on 218 self-propelled rocket launchers ordered by the Polish Armed Forces.
This integration ensures that the Polish Army will have a coherent C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence) system for rocket artillery units, enhancing operational efficiency and interoperability within NATO forces.
The defense contracts between Hanwha Aerospace and Poland have significant financial implications. In April 2024, Hanwha Aerospace signed a 2.3 trillion-won ($1.67 billion) deal to supply 72 Chunmoo MLRS to Poland by 2029. This deal is part of a larger $22 billion arms agreement established between South Korea and Poland in 2022, which includes Poland’s acquisition of K2 tanks, K9 self-propelled howitzers, FA-50 light attack aircraft, and Chunmoo systems.
These contracts have bolstered Hanwha Aerospace’s financial performance. In the second quarter of 2024, the company’s operating profit more than quadrupled, driven by strong exports to Poland. Operating profit soared to a record 358.8 billion won ($259.1 million) for the April-June period, up sharply from 78.6 billion won a year ago. Revenue jumped 46 percent year-on-year to 2.78 trillion won.
With the HOMAR-K program progressing, Poland is set to become a key node in NATO’s missile defense architecture. The localized production of guided missiles enhances Poland’s strategic autonomy and ensures rapid deployment capabilities. Moreover, the integration of Polish systems with the Chunmoo MLRS ensures compatibility and interoperability with NATO forces, strengthening collective defense mechanisms.
GRUPA WB
Poland’s commitment to defense spending is evident in its allocation of 4.1% of GDP to defense in 2024, the highest among NATO countries, with an increase to 4.7% promised in 2025. This financial commitment underscores the country’s dedication to enhancing its military capabilities and contributing to regional security.
The partnership between Hanwha Aerospace and WB Group sets a precedent for future collaborations between South Korea and European nations. Hanwha Aerospace aims to double its European land arms revenue by 2027, driven by partnerships to manufacture products within customer countries. The company’s CEO, Son Jae-il, noted a significant shift in Europe, where countries now prefer to build defense capabilities locally instead of merely purchasing weapons.
This trend indicates a growing emphasis on local production and technology transfer in defense procurement, aligning with broader strategic goals of self-reliance and regional security enhancement.
