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Poland Powers Artillery Capabilities with New K9 Howitzers and Homar-K Rocket Launchers.
On December 2, 2024, during a press conference held at the headquarters of the Ministry of National Defense, Secretary of State Paweł Bejda and the head of the Armament Agency, Brigadier General Artur Kuptel, announced significant progress in the implementation of two important executive contracts concerning the K9 howitzers and the HOMAR-K multiple launch rocket systems. Supported by a €4 billion loan from the Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego, these projects aim to modernize the artillery and missile capabilities of the Polish Armed Forces while promoting the national defense industry.
The HOMAR-K is the new MLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System for the Polish army which is based on the South Korean K239 Chunmoo but mounted on a Polish Jelcz truck chassis. (Picture source: Polish MoD)
The contracts in question aim to strengthen Poland's military capabilities through the acquisition of K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers and K239 Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers, both produced by the South Korean company Hanwha Aerospace. In October 2022, Poland concluded a contract to purchase 288 K239 Chunmoo rocket launchers, with the first deliveries beginning in 2023. These initiatives are part of a comprehensive strategy to modernize the Polish Armed Forces, supported by a €4 billion loan from the Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego.
The Homar-K is a Polish adaptation of the K239 Chunmoo multiple launch rocket system, originally designed by South Korea. This Polish version is distinguished by its integration on a Jelcz 8x8 chassis, replacing the original South Korean Doosan chassis, reflecting Poland's intent to localize the production of its military equipment. The Homar-K modules are integrated at the Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW) factory, with production becoming increasingly localized. In fact, under a second contract signed in April 2024, 72 new modules are to be delivered, 60 of which will be fully constructed in Poland.
This local adaptation extends beyond just the chassis. The Homar-K launchers are capable of firing a wide range of rockets and ballistic missiles. Among these weapons are the guided CGR-080 rockets with a 239 mm caliber and a range of 80 km, and the short-range ballistic missiles (SRBM) CTM-290, capable of hitting targets up to 290 km away. These rocket systems benefit from a GPS-assisted navigation system, ensuring an accuracy of around 15 meters for the CGR-080 and only 2 meters for the CTM-290. The versatility of the Homar-K is further enhanced by its ability to integrate unguided 122 mm rockets, commonly used with systems like the WR-40 Langusta or the BM-21 Grad.
One of the major strengths of the Homar-K is its firepower. Each launcher can fire six 239 mm rockets in 30 seconds, providing formidable area saturation capabilities. Additionally, developments are underway to integrate new rockets with ranges of up to 200 km, or even more for 400 mm rockets, which are currently in development.
The technical specifications of the Homar-K make it particularly effective on the battlefield. Weighing 31 tons, this system is 9 meters long, 2.9 meters wide, and 3.3 meters tall. It is powered by a 450-horsepower HD Hyundai Infracore DV11K diesel engine, allowing it to reach a maximum speed of 80 km/h with a range of 450 km. With a transmission system provided by Allison Transmission, the Homar-K is capable of maneuvering across difficult terrains, enhancing its operational flexibility. The crew, consisting of three personnel, is protected by armor compliant with STANAG 4569 Level 2 standards, using a combination of steel, ceramics, and polymer composites to resist ballistic threats and shrapnel.
The modernization of Polish artillery through the acquisition of systems like the Homar-K is part of a broader strategy to replace aging equipment inherited from the Soviet era. In October 2022, the Polish Armaments Agency signed an agreement with Hanwha Aerospace for the purchase of 288 K239 Chunmoo launchers, with the first modules being integrated in Poland. This ambitious program continues with the signing of a new agreement in April 2024, which includes the delivery of 72 additional launchers by 2029, bringing the total number of launchers to 290 units.
At the same time, cooperation between Poland and South Korea also extends to the production of munitions. In 2024, during the KADEX International Defense Exhibition, WB Group, a Polish company, and Hanwha Aerospace signed an agreement to establish a joint venture for the local production of CGR-080 rockets, intended for the Homar-K. This initiative highlights the importance for Poland to achieve strategic autonomy in its munitions production while strengthening its ties with its South Korean partners.
Poland K9A1 Self-Propelled Howitzers from South Korea(Picture source: Polish MoD)
Parallelly, Executive Contract No. 2 for the K9 self-propelled howitzers, signed with Hanwha Aerospace, includes a comprehensive suite of services, notably a maintenance center and the capability to produce modular charges locally. This program, with deliveries extending until 2029, will enhance the capabilities of the Polish artillery while ensuring increased autonomy in logistics and maintenance.
In December 2023, a $2.6 billion agreement was signed for the supply of 212 K9A1 howitzers. Subsequently, in December 2023, an additional agreement was concluded for 152 more units. These contracts aim to strengthen Poland's military capabilities through the acquisition of K9 Thunder self-propelled howitzers and K239 Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers, both produced by the South Korean company Hanwha Aerospace, bringing the total to 364 K9 howitzers with deliveries scheduled until 2027.
Brigadier General Artur Kuptel emphasized that the regularity and quality of supplies are essential to equip Polish soldiers with modern and reliable equipment. With these advancements, Poland confirms its ambition to become a strategic player in European defense, while consolidating the security of its citizens and strengthening its posture in the face of current challenges.
While the K9A1 already features advances in inertial navigation and fire control, the K9PL goes further by incorporating Polish subsystems, such as the FONET communication system and TOPAZ fire control system from WB Group, ensuring complete interoperability with Polish forces. This customized version also benefits from reinforced armor and locally manufactured components, in line with Poland’s policy of technological sovereignty.
One of the unique features of the K9PL is the integration of the Polish-made FONET communication system and the TOPAZ fire control and management system, developed by WB Group, which ensures seamless interoperability within Poland's command structure and enhances coordination with other military assets. Additionally, the K9PL is equipped with reinforced armor for increased protection against ballistic threats and shrapnel, as well as active defense systems to counter anti-tank missiles, enhancing crew survivability in hostile conditions. It also includes an updated inertial navigation and fire control system, which improves targeting accuracy, along with a semi-automatic loading system that boosts efficiency in rapid-firing scenarios, enabling the K9PL to perform effectively in high-tempo operations.
Poland’s decision to acquire a significant number of K9 self-propelled howitzers is rooted in its strategic need to strengthen its artillery capabilities amid heightened regional tensions and evolving security threats, particularly from Russia. As a frontline NATO country with a large eastern border, Poland perceives a robust artillery capability as crucial for deterrence and rapid response. Self-propelled artillery like the K9 provides Poland with flexible and mobile firepower, allowing it to deploy and relocate quickly, an advantage essential in modern warfare where mobility and rapid response can determine battlefield outcomes.
Poland’s investment in self-propelled artillery stands out as a cornerstone of its broader military modernization efforts, setting it apart on the global stage. By enhancing its K9 self-propelled artillery and Homar-K MLRS capabilities, Poland addresses the critical need for autonomous, ground-based firepower capable of supporting high-intensity operations and effectively safeguarding its territory. These systems enable Poland to maintain highly mobile and flexible forces, complementing its airpower and ensuring rapid response capabilities across wide operational areas. This focus on artillery aligns Poland with countries like South Korea, which prioritize robust ground-based firepower to counter regional threats and ensure self-reliant defense capabilities in times of conflict.