Polish Army to Receive 290 New HOMAR-K MLRS Rocket Launchers.

Kielce, Poland, September 11, 2023 - The Polish Defense Industry has introduced the HOMAR-K MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System), a fusion of South Korean technology and Polish engineering. This new system is an adaptation of the K239 Chunmoo MLRS from South Korea, integrated into the chassis of the Polish-manufactured Jelcz 8x8 truck, type 882.57.
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The new HOMAR-K MLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System for the Polish army is based on the South Korean Chunmoo MLRS. (Picture source Army Recognition)

Last September, a landmark agreement was inked between the Polish army and South Korean firm, Hanwha Aerospace. The deal, valued at a staggering $3.55 billion, encompasses the supply of 290 K239 Chunmoo MLRS and a diverse range of ammunition. The delivery timeline is set to conclude by 2027.

By the close of 2023, Poland anticipates the arrival of the initial 18 Korean-manufactured launchers, seamlessly integrated with the Jelcz chassis. These will be commissioned into the 18th Artillery Regiment, based in New Duba, in proximity to one of the HSW SA factories. Notably, this factory is a key producer of ammunition that Poland exports to Ukraine.

The South Korean missile launchers are renowned for their open architecture, allowing for the accommodation of various missile types. Specifically, the MLRS can deploy six 239-mm guided ballistic missiles with an impressive range of up to 290 kilometers, or alternatively, twenty unguided 131-mm K33 rockets with a 36-kilometer range. A unique feature is the dual launch trays on a single launcher, which can be loaded with a mix of missile types, including the Polish 122-mm missiles boasting a range of up to 160 km.

HSW SA's management, prior to the exhibition, remained tight-lipped about the company's readiness to manufacture the remaining MLRS components. Jan Shwedo, the company's director, shared with the press that negotiations are progressing positively. A consensus has been reached for the serial production of missile ammunition for the K239 Chunmoo at a Polish establishment. Presently, the integration of MLRS launchers with the Jelcz platform is being executed in South Korea.

The Jelcz truck, featuring the 882.57 chassis and an 8x8 drive armored cab, is a modified version of the largest vehicle crafted at the Jelcz plant, a subsidiary of the Huta Stalowa Wola concern. Weighing in between 22.5 tons, this 11-meter-long and 2.8-meter-wide vehicle is adept at navigating challenging terrains, including 30 cm high obstacles, 60 cm wide trenches, and water barriers up to 1.2 meters deep. Powering this beast are IVECO engines, available in 430 or 540-hp variants.

In the foreseeable future, Poland's acquisition program includes both the South Korean K239 Chunmoo MLRS launchers and the American HIMARS systems, with both set to be mounted on the Jelcz truck chassis. The nation aims to commission approximately 750 of these systems. As per an online publication, should Warsaw realize these ambitious endeavors, Poland is poised to emerge as "the largest artillery and missile powerhouse in Europe."

Defense News September 2023