Poland Receives New South Korean Homar-K Chunmoo Multiple Rocket Launchers for Artillery Units.

On October 7, 2024, Poland received four Homar-K launchers as part of an order for 218 modules signed in 2022. This delivery is part of Poland's ongoing modernization of its artillery systems, developed in cooperation with international partners. The Polish Armed Forces are set to receive eight additional modules by the end of the year, reflecting the continued progress in integrating these systems into the country's artillery units.
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Polish Homar-K Chunmoo Multiple Rocket Launcher (Picture source: Hanwha Defense)

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.

The delivery on October 7 included four Homar-K launchers from an order of 218 modules signed in 2022. In total, the Korean side has produced and delivered 42 units (one of which, mounted on a Jelcz chassis, remained in Korea for testing), providing the 1st Artillery Regiment and the 18th Artillery Brigade with equipment already integrated at HSW. Eight additional modules are expected to be delivered this year. These deliveries position the Polish army as one of the most modern in Europe in terms of artillery capabilities.