Michael Coulter, the newly appointed CEO of Hanwha Aerospace’s Overseas Business Division, visited Poland for the first time since taking office. As the Polish military enhances its operational capabilities by deploying the Korean-made multiple rocket launcher “Homar-K,” Hanwha Aerospace is strengthening partnerships through on-site management, further solidifying defense cooperation between the two nations.
According to Hanwha Aerospace’s European subsidiary (HAEU) on the 23rd, CEO Coulter visited Poland from the 10th to the 12th of this month and met with Krzysztof Trofiniak, Chairman of Poland’s state-owned defense company PGZ Group, and Piotr Wojciechowski, Chairman of the private defense firm WB Group. The discussions focused on reinforcing defense industry cooperation, expanding technological partnerships, and exploring opportunities for local production and further collaboration on Homar-K.
Representatives from Hanwha Aerospace’s European subsidiary (HAEU), along with officials from Hanwha Ocean and Hanwha Systems, joined the meetings. Hanwha Ocean proposed supplying and providing maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services for Korean KSS-III submarines as part of the Polish Navy’s next-generation submarine project, while Hanwha Systems is pursuing opportunities in Poland’s defense market, focusing on satellite and communication systems.
CEO Coulter emphasized, “Poland plays a critical role on NATO’s eastern flank, and we recognize the importance of enhancing Poland’s defense capabilities through industrial cooperation and technology transfer.” He added, “With the full support of the Korean government, Hanwha delivers combat-proven solutions swiftly.”
He further stated, “We go beyond mere supply; through deep collaboration with local industries, we ensure complete localization, delivering cutting-edge capabilities while prioritizing the establishment of long-term strategic partnerships.”
In July 2022, Hanwha Aerospace signed a 7 trillion KRW contract with Poland’s Armament Agency to supply 290 K-239 Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers. Deliveries are progressing in phases, with the first execution contract (218 units) and the second (72 units) already underway.
Homar-K is based on the K-239 Chunmoo launcher module supplied by Hanwha Aerospace. The module is transferred to PGZ Group’s Jelcz and Huta Stalowa Wola (HSW), where it is fitted with a chassis and launcher and integrated with Poland’s command and control systems, creating the Polish-adapted “Homar-K.” The completed systems are delivered to the Polish military via Hanwha Aerospace’s European subsidiary.
Recently, the Polish military has bolstered its operational proficiency by employing Homar-K in live-fire exercises. Last month, the Polish 1st Mazurska Artillery Brigade conducted live-fire training with Homar-K, executing firing missions using Poland’s artillery command and fire control system, “TOPAZ.” Soldiers practiced procedures such as loading and unloading rockets and entering target coordinates to prepare for operational deployment.
