Flash Report: Poland and South Korea sign deal to produce CGR-080 precision-guided missiles on Polish soil.

During MSPO defense exhibition in Poland that takes place from 2 to 5 September 2025, South Korea's Hanwha Aerospace and Poland's WB Group signed an agreement to produce CGR-080 guided missiles through a newly established joint venture that will localize missile manufacturing for the Polish Armed Forces. The accord was formally unveiled during an official ceremony on September 3, 2025, in Kielce, marking a major milestone in Poland’s efforts to secure strategic autonomy in advanced missile systems.
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Polish and South Korean defense officials sign a CGR-080 guided missile to formalize the landmark joint production agreement during MSPO 2025 in Kielce. (Picture source: Hanwha Aerospace)

According to information released by the Polish Ministry of National Defence, this joint Polish-Korean venture will enable full-cycle production of the CGR-080 guided missile, a precision weapon with a range of up to 80 kilometers. The missile will be integrated into the HOMAR-K multiple launch rocket system, a domestically tailored version of the South Korean K239 Chunmoo platform. HOMAR-K is mounted on a Polish Jelcz 8x8 chassis and incorporates WB Group’s indigenous Topaz command and fire-control system, making it one of the most technologically advanced systems in the Polish artillery arsenal.

This initiative builds directly on the 2022 framework agreement between Poland and South Korea for the acquisition of K239 Chunmoo multiple launch rocket systems. Under the initial contract signed in October 2022, Poland ordered 218 Chunmoo launchers as part of a broader modernization plan aimed at strengthening its rocket and artillery forces in response to the deteriorating security situation on NATO's eastern flank. The deal, valued at approximately $3.5 billion, included not only the launcher systems but also a comprehensive support package comprising logistics, munitions, training, and technology transfer. Deliveries began in late 2023, and Polish forces began field trials and integration of the system into national C2 infrastructure in early 2024. The HOMAR-K configuration was created specifically for Poland to blend Korean firepower with Polish battlefield architecture, laying the groundwork for deeper industrial integration.

The project includes a phased technology transfer process, backed by a NATO-compliant quality assurance program and a structured training plan for the Polish workforce. Serial production is expected to begin by 2027 with full manufacturing capacity anticipated before the end of 2028. The new facility will create approximately 250 high-skilled jobs and will serve as a future hub for missile development and sustainment, supporting both national and allied requirements.

Polish Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz stated that this agreement represents more than an industrial partnership. He emphasized that Poland is gaining control over strategic technologies while strengthening national defense capabilities. Hanwha Aerospace CEO Jaeil Son highlighted that the joint venture reflects a long-term commitment to the Polish defense industry and opens the door for joint development of next-generation precision munitions.

WB Group President Piotr Wojciechowski described the agreement as the most significant missile production initiative in Poland's history. He underlined its role in ensuring sovereign control over munitions supply and enabling future export potential under South Korea's licensing and export framework. The new facility is expected not only to meet domestic demand but also to support allied countries seeking interoperable and combat-proven rocket systems.

The CGR-080 missile, guided by GPS and inertial navigation systems, is designed for rapid deployment, high precision, and deep-strike capability. Its integration into the HOMAR-K system will dramatically expand the Polish Army’s firepower, allowing long-range engagement of strategic targets under national command and control. Localized production also ensures faster delivery timelines, enhanced logistical efficiency, and adaptability to mission-specific requirements.

This strategic missile program is the latest in a growing series of high-profile defense agreements between Poland and South Korea, marking one of the most rapidly developing bilateral defense relationships in Europe. Since 2022, Poland has committed to multi-billion-dollar procurement contracts with South Korean defense companies, including the acquisition of K2 Black Panther main battle tanks, K9 self-propelled howitzers, FA-50 light combat aircraft, and K239 Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers. These acquisitions have positioned South Korea as one of Poland’s top defense suppliers and long-term strategic partners.

Unlike traditional defense procurement arrangements, the Poland–South Korea relationship has evolved into a comprehensive industrial and technological collaboration. Contracts have consistently included provisions for local assembly, technology transfer, and training, ensuring that Poland is not only equipped with modern systems but is also capable of supporting, upgrading, and producing them domestically. This joint missile venture further deepens that model of cooperation, enabling Poland to transition from a buyer to a co-producer and future innovator in long-range precision strike capabilities.

As Poland accelerates its military modernization in response to regional security threats, especially the ongoing war in Ukraine, its partnership with South Korea offers both strategic and industrial advantages. South Korea’s willingness to provide rapid deliveries, robust industrial cooperation, and scalable technology solutions has made it a preferred partner in Warsaw’s strategic calculus. For Seoul, the relationship solidifies its growing influence in the European defense market and strengthens its role as a global defense exporter.

With this new joint missile production initiative, Poland and South Korea have moved beyond transactional defense deals toward a long-term strategic alliance rooted in industrial collaboration, technology sharing, and mutual security interests. The agreement underscores a fundamental shift in the European defense landscape, where nations like Poland are no longer passive recipients of technology but active participants in shaping the future of advanced weapon systems.