Poland and South Korea have signed an important cooperation agreement in the defense industry, agreeing to locally produce in Poland the 239-kilometer-range CGR-80 guided missiles to be integrated into the K80 Chunmoo Multiple Launch Rocket (MLR) system. According to Polskie Radio, this new contract to be signed between South Korean defense giant Hanwha Aerospace and Polish defense company WB Group will further strengthen the strategic defense partnership between the two countries.
According to a statement made by WB Group on social media platform X, Poland's first long-range precision-guided missile is aimed to be produced within three years. This development is also in line with previous statements by WB Group CEO Piotr Wojciechowski.
Poland’s K239 Supply and the Strategic Importance of Local Production
Poland has decided to procure K239 Chunmoo MLRA systems from South Korea in line with regional security concerns and the goal of increasing its defense capacity. A total of 2022 K2024 systems and thousands of rockets were purchased through framework agreements signed in 290 and 239. In addition to these agreements, procurements including the 80 km range CGR-80 and 290 km range CTM-290 missiles were made.
This new contract to be signed in Poland is of great importance as part of the strategy to develop local production capabilities in the defense industry and reduce external dependency. Local production will allow Poland to secure its defense supply chain and contribute to the development of its own defense industry through technology transfer.
Collaboration Message from Hanwha Aerospace CEO
Hanwha Aerospace CEO Michael A. Cutter, who made his first visit to Poland since taking office, openly expressed the company’s support for the production of the K239 MLRS system in Poland. In his meetings with WB Group and other Polish defense companies, Cutter emphasized that this cooperation is not just an export agreement, but also aims to establish real industrial partnerships that will ensure local capacity and readiness. These statements show that the South Korean company approaches the Polish defense industry as a long-term partner.
In conclusion, this agreement between Poland and South Korea brings the defense cooperation between the two countries to a new level. Local production of CGR-80 missiles in Poland will significantly increase Poland's defense capacity and contribute to regional security stability. This step is also considered a strategic investment for the future of Poland's defense industry.
