Poland, South Korea start joint missile production

Poland and South Korea have entered into a new defense partnership to localize missile production, underscoring Warsaw’s efforts to strengthen self-reliance and modernize its armed forces.

On September 2, during the opening day of the International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO) in Kielce, Hanwha Aerospace and WB Group signed an agreement to establish a joint venture in Poland for the production of CGR-080 guided missiles, designed for the Homar-K multiple launch rocket system operated by the Polish Armed Forces.

The deal was signed by Jaeil Son, President and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace, Piotr Wojciechowski, President of WB Group, and Władysław Marcin Kosiniak-Kamysz, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence. Senior representatives of both governments and industry attended the ceremony.

Deputy Prime Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz said during the event: “This is arguably the most important event of this year’s MSPO. We are gaining the capability to produce missiles for the Homar-K launcher. It’s a milestone. We are becoming increasingly self-reliant in defense manufacturing. We’re not only buying weapons – we’re bringing their production to Poland.”

The new venture will implement a phased technology transfer program supported by a certified quality management system and structured workforce training. According to the announcement, initial serial production will ramp up progressively and is expected to reach an advanced stage before the end of 2028.

As noted by WB Group, the joint factory will employ about 250 skilled workers in Poland. The roadmap also calls for the development of new missile types tailored to Poland’s future defense requirements, while remaining compliant with Polish procurement rules and South Korea’s export control regulations.

Piotr Wojciechowski, President of WB Group, said: “This missile plant is a significant, first-of-its-kind investment in Poland with the primary objective to enhance national security by ensuring domestic production of critical munitions, and the project also includes the further development of the CGR-080 missile system and new guided rockets to meet evolving defense requirements.”

Hanwha Aerospace underscored the long-term nature of the partnership. Mr. Son stated: “This joint venture will localize CGR-080 manufacturing, transfer critical know-how, and co-develop next-generation munitions with our Polish partners. It is a commitment of investment, people, and technology in Poland, for a safer Europe.”

The CGR-080 guided missile has a range of approximately 80 kilometers and is designed to equip the Homar-K rocket artillery system, itself based on technology cooperation between Poland and South Korea. By producing the missile domestically, Poland aims to ensure a reliable supply chain for critical munitions while supporting allied forces with new export-capable designs.

The initiative is seen as part of Poland’s broader strategy to expand its defense industrial base in response to the deteriorating security situation in Europe. The move also strengthens the relationship between Warsaw and Seoul, which in recent years have signed major defense contracts covering tanks, howitzers, and rocket artillery.

With the new factory scheduled to be fully operational by 2028, Poland is taking a step toward becoming not just a buyer of advanced weapons but a producer capable of sustaining and expanding its own arsenal.