Poland poised to buy Hanwha’s multiple rocket launchers

Poland is on the verge of buying additional artillery rocket systems developed by Hanwha Defense Co., following a string of weapons purchase agreements for South Korean-made battle tanks, self-propelled howitzers and light fighter jets.

Polish Defense Minister Mariusz Błaszczak was quoted as saying by local media on Oct. 14 that the country will sign a tentative agreement this week to import some 300 units of the K239 Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher from Hanwha.

In an interview with Polish news outlet i.PL, the minister said the Korean artillery rocket system boasts of performance similar to the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) developed by Lockheed Martin, on top of a lengthy shooting range of up to 300 kilometers.

According to the report, Poland plans to conclude discussions over the contract size and other details by the end of this year. If it inks a formal contract with Hanwha, the first batch of rocket launchers will be delivered next year.

The Chunmoo comprises a launch vehicle, a multiple-rocket launcher and missiles.

Poland is known to be considering manufacturing Chunmoo’s launch vehicles after receiving the relevant technology from Hanwha, according to the report. The rocket launchers and missiles will be shipped from the Korean company.

The prospective deal comes after the US delivered 15 units of the HIMARS to Ukraine as part of a security assistance package. The US-made artillery rocket system played a large role in military successes over Russia's armed forces.

Hanwha's Chunmoo can carry more warheads than the HIMARS. It also costs just 60% as much — priced at 3 billion won ($2 billion) per unit, excluding ammunition costs, compared with the HIMARS' 5 billion won.

In 2019, Poland ordered 20 units of the Chunmoo, which will be delivered next year.

Earlier this year, the Polish army sought to buy additional HIMARS, but the US declined the offer because of limited production capabilities.

The Polish minister told Polish media that the Chunmoo will bolster its national defense capabilities.

Poland, a North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member country, is now diversifying its weapons supply channels, Minister Błaszczak was quoted as saying.

Last month, it signed a $3 billion contract to buy the FA-50 light fighter jets developed by Korea Aerospace Industries Ltd. (KAI).

In August, Hyundai Rotem Co. and Hanwha Defense agreed to transport $5.8 billion worth of battle tanks and self-propelled howitzers to the European country.

Poland has been building up its military capacity following Russia's invasion of Ukraine. It shares borders with Ukraine and the Russian enclave of Kaliningrad.

Write to Bum-Jin Chun at forward@hankyung.com
Yeonhee Kim edited this article