Exclusive: First Launch in Poland Homar-K Fires CGR-080 Guided Rocket Exceeding US HIMARS Capabilities.

Poland has achieved a groundbreaking advancement in its defense modernization with the successful launch of the CGR-080 guided rocket from the Homar-K Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), as reported by defense analyst Haku Mason on December 6, 2024, via his X account. This new rocket, with a range of 80 kilometers, surpasses the range of the U.S. HIMARS M31 GMLRS and demonstrates Poland's commitment to acquiring superior artillery capabilities and enhancing its precision strike potential on the modern battlefield.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

During its first successful launch, Poland's Homar-K MLRS fires the CGR-080 guided rocket, showcasing advanced range and precision capabilities. (Picture source: Haku Mason X Account)

The Homar-K system is a Polish adaptation of South Korea’s K239 Chunmoo MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System), mounted on the robust Jelcz 8x8 chassis. Combining South Korean technology with Polish engineering, the Homar-K is designed for mobility, survivability, and versatility in diverse combat scenarios. The system’s modular configuration allows it to fire a wide array of guided and unguided munitions, making it a flexible and potent asset for modern battlefield requirements.

The comparison between the U.S. HIMARS and Poland’s Homar-K firing the CGR-080 guided rocket highlights key differences in capability. HIMARS typically employs the M31 GMLRS rocket, which has a range of up to 70 kilometers and delivers high precision with GPS guidance, offering a CEP of about 10 meters. The Homar-K, equipped with the CGR-080 guided rocket, extends the range to 80 kilometers, providing Poland with a slight advantage in striking targets at greater distances. Additionally, the CGR-080 offers a comparable level of precision with a CEP of 15 meters, making it highly effective for both tactical and strategic missions. While HIMARS benefits from battle-proven reliability and global deployment, the Homar-K's modularity and compatibility with diverse munitions, including the CGR-080, position it as a more versatile and locally tailored solution for Poland's defense needs.

The CGR-080 is a guided rocket, leveraging advanced GPS/INS (Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System) technology to achieve precise strikes. With a range of 30–80 kilometers and a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of just 15 meters, the CGR-080 delivers a high-explosive warhead capable of effectively neutralizing personnel, light armor, and infrastructure targets. Unlike traditional unguided artillery rockets, the CGR-080 provides precision engagement capabilities, enabling more efficient use of firepower while minimizing collateral damage.

Compared to other rockets launched by MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) systems, the CGR-080 offers distinct advantages that make it particularly suited to the demands of modern warfare. Its GPS/INS guidance ensures precise target engagement, minimizing ammunition wastage and reducing the risk of collateral damage. This precision is crucial in urban or densely populated areas where accuracy can be the difference between mission success and strategic failure. Additionally, its range and high-explosive warhead provide a balanced combination of firepower and reach, enabling it to neutralize a broad spectrum of targets, from lightly armored vehicles to critical infrastructure. Unlike unguided rockets that rely on volume to compensate for inaccuracy, the CGR-080 maximizes combat effectiveness with fewer launches, reducing logistical strain and increasing operational efficiency. This capability places it at the forefront of modern MLRS munitions, reflecting the evolving priorities of precision, flexibility, and adaptability on the contemporary battlefield.

A key feature of the Homar-K system is its compatibility with a diverse range of munitions, enhancing its operational flexibility. In addition to the CGR-080, the system can deploy the CTM-MR guided rocket, which offers a range of 50–160 kilometers and features a penetration-fragmentation warhead for striking fortified positions and high-value infrastructure. It is also capable of firing the CTM-290 guided rocket, which has a range of 80–290 kilometers and is equipped with a blast-fragmentation warhead for neutralizing strategic targets such as command centers and supply depots. Furthermore, the system supports an anti-ship guided rocket with GPS/INS/IIR (Imaging Infrared) guidance and an anti-ship warhead, designed to engage naval targets at ranges of 50–160 kilometers.

The Homar-K also accommodates training rockets with inert warheads and GPS/INS guidance, allowing for realistic yet safe training exercises without the use of live ordnance. Additionally, the system can deploy unguided 2.75” K223 rockets, which are effective at ranges of 5–8 kilometers for suppressive fire and targeting lightly armored threats. These munitions are powered by composite propellant technology, ensuring reliable and consistent performance across a wide range of operational conditions. The precision of the Homar-K’s guided munitions, with CEP values as low as 9–15 meters, represents a significant improvement over older unguided systems, making it a key component of Poland’s modern artillery arsenal.

The successful integration of the CGR-080 into the Homar-K system highlights Poland’s commitment to enhancing its military capabilities and readiness. This guided rocket provides a level of precision and effectiveness that fundamentally transforms the role of artillery on the battlefield, allowing for a wider range of strategic and tactical applications. The partnership with South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace and the planned local production of advanced munitions like the CGR-080 further bolster Poland’s defense posture, ensuring sustained independence in equipping its military with cutting-edge technology.