South Korean Hanwha Aerospace has secured a new agreement with Polish defense firm WB Group to supply command and control systems for the K239 Chunmoo multi-launch rocket system (MLRS) deployed by Poland. The arrangement, reported by The Defense Post, marks a notable milestone in the ongoing collaboration between the two nations’ defense sectors and aligns with Poland’s push to enhance its indigenous and allied capabilities in modern artillery and battlefield management.
The contract encompasses the TOPAZ integrated combat command system, the FONET digital communication platform, and associated radio sets. These C2 components are planned to be integrated across all 218 K239 Chunmoo launchers that Poland ordered in 2022, ensuring a standardized, interoperable command and control framework for the entire MLRS fleet. Hanwha described the deal as an important step toward strengthening its long-standing partnership with Poland’s defense industry and the broader North Atlantic security community.
The K239 Chunmoo MLRS is a versatile system capable of launching a variety of munitions, including 131 mm and 230 mm missiles as well as 239 mm guided rounds. Its modular design allows rapid reconfiguration for different mission profiles, balancing reach, accuracy, and firepower in a single platform. Introduced to the lineup with the goal of providing a responsive, long-range strike capability, the Chunmoo has evolved into a key asset for allied forces seeking to diversify their artillery options while maintaining high operational tempo on diverse terrain.
These developments come amid broader regional defense exchanges, with Poland prioritizing the modernization of its armed forces and expanding collaboration with European and Asian suppliers. The arrangement with WB Group enables Poland to leverage Polish-developed command and control expertise alongside Hanwha’s onboard and launcher support capabilities, fostering a more cohesive battle management ecosystem for the Chunmoo system. The cooperation also reflects a shared emphasis on cybersecurity, networked warfare, and robust communications that can withstand the pressures of modern conflict environments.
Earlier reporting noted visits by South Korean Defense Minister Lee Jong Sub to Warsaw to engage with Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ) leadership and to discuss ongoing defense-industrial cooperation. During those talks, officials explored ways to further integrate Korean and Polish production lines, align export controls with allied requirements, and expand joint training and maintenance programs to sustain advanced weapon systems. As part of those exchanges, Hanwha Aerospace announced the WB Group collaboration to equip the Chunmoo MLRS with Polish command and control solutions, reinforcing Poland’s intent to localize critical capabilities while benefiting from international partnerships that enhance interoperability and resilience on the battlefield.
The resulting ecosystem aims to deliver a seamless flow of targeting data, mission planning, and command decisions from the highest echelons to the launcher crews. By combining Hanwha’s launcher technology with WB Group’s C2 architecture, Poland secures a cohesive and scalable solution that can adapt to evolving threats and mission requirements. In this environment, the focus remains on reliability, ease of maintenance, and the ability to integrate with allied systems across the North Atlantic alliance, ensuring that units can operate in concert under shared procedures and standards. (Source: The Defense Post)