South Korea Proposes CTM-290 Tactical Missile to Poland as Replacement for US ATACMS.

A recent image released by Hanwha Aerospace, a leading South Korean defense company, has garnered significant attention by revealing the possibility of Poland's Homar-K MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) being equipped with the CTM-290 tactical strike missile pods. The Homar-K is a Polish version of the K239 Chunmoo, a South Korean mobile rocket artillery system. It is the equivalent to the U.S. M142 HIMARS, which is also in service with the Polish army able to fire the American-made ATACMS ballistic missiles. If the integration of the South Korean CTM-290 missiles is realized, it could potentially replace the ATACMS, offering Poland a new alternative in its long-range strike capabilities.
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Polish Homar-K MLRS Multiple Launch Rocket System fitted with CTM-290 tactical strike missile pods. (Picture source: Hanwha)

The CTM-290, developed by Hanwha Aerospace, is a state-of-the-art missile system designed for long-range precision attacks. The missile has a range believed to be comparable to or greater than that of the American ATACMS, which can engage targets up to 300 kilometers away. The CTM-290 is equipped with advanced targeting systems, making it highly accurate in striking both static and mobile targets. It features an inertial guidance system, complemented by satellite navigation, ensuring precision even in adverse conditions. Moreover, the missile has a versatile warhead configuration, allowing it to carry different payloads depending on mission requirements, such as fragmentation warheads for anti-personnel missions or bunker-busting warheads for hardened targets. This adaptability would give Poland an expanded range of military options, bolstering its strike capabilities across multiple scenarios.

The Homar-K MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket System) acquisition is part of Poland's broader military modernization efforts. The contract for this acquisition was signed between the Polish Ministry of National Defense and Hanwha Aerospace on October 19, 2022. The deal involves the purchase of 218 K239 Chunmoo rocket artillery systems, which are being adapted into the Homar-K to meet Polish specifications. These systems will enhance Poland’s ability to launch a variety of munitions, ranging from precision-guided rockets to tactical ballistic missiles like the CTM-290. The agreement also includes technology transfers and potential co-production, which aligns with Poland's strategy to strengthen its domestic defense industry while reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.

This development marks a strategic shift for Poland, a key NATO member traditionally relying on U.S.-supplied military equipment, including the ATACMS ballistic missile. The Homar-K, as a Polish adaptation of the South Korea K239 Chunmoo, allows for greater customization, and the potential integration of the CTM-290 reflects Poland’s interest in diversifying its missile inventory. This shift would reduce Poland's dependence on American systems and deepen its defense ties with South Korea, a move that carries important implications for Poland’s broader defense strategy.

The partnership between Poland and South Korea has grown in recent years, with increasing collaboration on military production and technology transfers. Equipping the Homar-K system with the CTM-290 missile pods would mark a significant step forward in this partnership, showcasing South Korean military technology and enhancing Poland's defense capabilities.

This potential upgrade could also influence other European nations as they evaluate their defense needs, particularly in an increasingly unstable geopolitical environment. By acquiring missile systems like the CTM-290, European nations could explore alternatives to traditional suppliers like the United States, increasing operational flexibility and security.

For Poland, adding the CTM-290 missile to its Homar-K system would reinforce its role as a key player in European defense, providing a modern, versatile platform for launching long-range precision strikes. The missile’s advanced guidance systems and multiple warhead configurations enhance its operational flexibility, making it a formidable asset for Poland’s military. If the integration is successful, Poland’s Homar-K system could become one of the most advanced rocket artillery systems in Europe, equipped to fire both South Korean and American strike missiles, thus enhancing Poland’s strategic military options and solidifying its defense capabilities.