First Homar-K Multiple Launch Rocket System Delivered to Polish Artillery Brigade.

On August 12, 2024, the 1st Masurian Artillery Brigade, part of the 16th Mechanized Division, received the first four Homar-K multiple rocket launcher systems, marking a significant step in modernizing the Polish Armed Forces' arsenal. This delivery aligns with Poland's ongoing efforts to enhance its military capabilities by integrating advanced technologies to replace older systems.
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The Homar-K system, developed to enhance Poland's defense capabilities, is a domestic version of the HIMARS system, produced by the Polish defense industry in collaboration with international partners, including Lockheed Martin (Picture source: Polish Army)

The 16th Pomeranian Mechanized Division, named after King Kazimierz Jagiellończyk, announced via social media that four Homar-K launchers (K239 Chunmoo), mounted on Jelcz P882.57 TS T45 K-MLRS 8x8 chassis, were delivered to the 1st Masurian Artillery Brigade, named after General Józef Bem. These launchers are the third type of advanced weaponry introduced into the brigade, following the 155mm K9A1 Thunder self-propelled howitzers and the Homar-A (M142 HIMARS) multiple rocket launchers.

The Homar-K system, developed to enhance Poland's defense capabilities, is a domestic version of the HIMARS system, produced by the Polish defense industry in collaboration with international partners, including Lockheed Martin. Production began in the early 2020s, with the first units expected to be operational by 2023. The Homar-K system is designed for precise long-range fire support, capable of launching guided missiles at targets up to 300 kilometers away. It is mounted on a highly mobile platform, allowing rapid deployment across various terrains.

This modernization effort is part of a broader strategy to replace older systems, such as the WR-40 Langusta of the 3rd Rocket Artillery Group. The introduction of the Homar-K artillery systems was announced by former Minister of National Defense Mariusz Błaszczak on August 29, 2023. Prior to this, all Homar-K launchers were delivered to the 18th Artillery Regiment in Nowa Dęba, part of the 18th Mechanized Division, with 15 of 17 units deployed by December 30, 2023.

On June 11, 2024, an additional shipment of 12 Homar-K rocket launcher modules arrived from South Korea. These modules were delivered to Huta Stalowa Wola, part of the Polish Armaments Group, for integration with Jelcz chassis, Topaz combat management systems, Fonet digital communication platforms, and Radmor radio communication systems. This brings the total number of launchers delivered by South Korea to 29 units.

The integration of Homar-K systems is part of an agreement signed on October 19, 2022, between the Polish Armament Agency and Hanwha Aerospace for the acquisition of 288 K239 Chunmoo launchers. This framework agreement was followed by an executive agreement on November 4, 2022, for the delivery of 218 launcher modules, along with logistics and training packages, a stockpile of precision-guided missiles with ranges of 80 km (239 mm Chunmoo missile) and 290 km (600 mm long-range missile), and technical support from the manufacturer. The net value of this agreement is $3.55 billion.

During a visit by a Polish delegation to South Korea on April 25, 2024, a second executive agreement was signed, valued at approximately $1.6 billion (6.45 billion PLN net/7.93 billion PLN gross). This agreement provides for the delivery of 72 additional launcher modules, along with logistics and training packages, and the integration of Homar-K launchers. It also includes the delivery of several thousand precision-guided missiles with ranges of 80 km and 290 km (CTM-290), as well as technical support from the manufacturer. Deliveries are scheduled for 2026-2029, bringing the total number of launchers to 290, with two additional units likely to be delivered to the Artillery and Armament Training Center in Toruń.

These deliveries and integrations represent a crucial phase in the modernization of Polish artillery, enhancing Poland's ability to defend its territory with sophisticated, largely domestically-produced weapons systems.