Hanwha Defense has delivered Poland’s first K239 Chunmoo multiple launch rocket system (MLRS) at the Port of Gdańsk.
The handover is part of a $3.55-billion effort announced by Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Błaszczak in October 2022, which seeks ”hundreds” of MLRS in response to the ongoing conflict on Europe’s eastern flank.
Warsaw will deploy the new K239 alongside US-built HIMARS rocket launchers once deliveries are completed.
K239 variants shipped to the Polish Armed Forces service will be called Homar-K.
Future Polish K239 operators are currently training in South Korea, while qualification tests for the weapon were completed in August.
K239 Chunmoo MLRS
The K239 Chunmoo can launch 600-millimeter tactical missiles and 239-millimeter guided missiles.
It provides firepower in all weather conditions and features an indirect firing capability, providing an advantage over adversaries.
South Korea commissioned its first K239s to replace the aging K136 Kooryong and as primary armaments against North Korean long-range artillery.
Jelcz Vehicle and Topaz Combat System
During last year’s signing, Poland and Hanwha also agreed on a transfer of technology to integrate the South Korean MLRS with Poland’s locally manufactured Jelcz P882.57 vehicle and WB Group’s Topaz combat management system.
P882.57 is a truck built with a three-seater cabin, a four-axle system, and an 8×8 drive. The vehicle can travel on hard surface roads and in off-road environments.
Its chassis is based on Jelcz’s four-axle C882.62 Jak tractor unit, among the company’s largest vehicles. It can carry heavy tracked systems such as the Abrams and Leopard tanks.
Meanwhile, the Topaz is a fully integrated management platform with different strike systems, communications and command networks, advanced surveillance systems, and precision air strike controls.