Polish land forces enhance firepower with K9A1, Chunmoo systems

This is the first-ever visit of the top leadership of Hanwha Aerospace to a Polish military unit fielding the advanced Korean artillery pieces. The visit was made on 5th September on the sidelines of the MSPO 2024 in Kielce to observe the successful deployment of the K9A1 and Chunmoo artillery systems, which have been delivered to the Polish Armed Forces under the Framework Agreement signed in 2022 by Hanwha and the Republic of Poland.

“I’m very proud to come here and see the successful operation of the defence equipment on the ground,” said Son, welcomed by Lt. Col. Paweł Jędryczka, Deputy Commander of the regiment as part of the 18th “Iron” Mechanized Division of the Polish Army. “I appreciate the Polish Army’s operation of our products to maintain peace and security of Poland and in the region.”

The regiment has so far deployed 24 K9A1 howitzers and 15 Chunmoo (Homar-K) MRLS under the first executive contract signed in 2022. Poland has signed two executive contracts for over 360 K9A1s and two other executive contracts for 290 Chunmoo rocket launchers.

During the visit, the Hanwha Aerospace CEO expressed his appreciation and full respect for the Polish soldiers and their service in ensuring the security of Poland’s eastern border and enhancing the deterrent capability of NATO’s eastern flank.

“We’re dispatching a score of maintenance technicians to this unit to manage the quality of products and maintenance programs as part of our commitment to delivering best-in-class products and services,” Son added.

About K9 Self-Propelled Howitzer

The K9 SPH was developed in 1999 in cooperation with the South Korean Agency for Defense Development. Nicknamed “Thunder,” the K9 tracked artillery system can deliver consistent, accurate, rapid effects at ranges of more than 40 kilometers. The 47-ton K9 is optimized for ‘Shoot and Scoot’ capability to fire multiple rounds and immediately moving to a different location to avoid counter-fire.

Following the modifications to the K9A1 version, the artillery system is being upgraded feature a fully automatic ammunition handling system. The autoloading next-generation artillery will be capable of firing over 10 rounds per minute, with just three crew members. In 2022, the K9 User Club was launched for the K9 user countries to share experience, know-how of operating the K9 systems in terms of operation, maintenance and training. Over 1,800 K9 vehicles are in service with nine countries, accounting for some 50 percent the global SPH market.

About Homar-K

The Homar-K is a polonized K239 Chunmoo rocket artillery system, for which the original base platform was replaced with a 8×8 truck manufactured by Jelcz in Poland. The system carries two rocket containers, and each can accommodate 6 guided 239 mm rockets with a range of 80 kilometers, or a single ballistic missile, with a range of ca. 290 kilometers. The platform also features the ZZKO Topaz fire control system, which allows the polonized Chunmoo to be plugged into the FCS/BMS systems used by the Polish artillery units – it is a top-class solution. In addition, the Homar-K includes Fonet digital communications suite integration.