Defence in brief: Hanwha and WB Group form JV

Hanwha and Poland’s WB Group have signed the term sheet establishing a joint venture (JV) between the two companies to manufacture long-range guided missiles for the Chunmoo Homar-K multiple rocket launcher in Poland, according to a 15th April press release. 

Under the agreement, Hanwha will hold a 51% stake in the new entity with WB Electronics the remaining 49%. The agreement still requires approval from Poland’s Antimonopoly Committee, the press release states. 

“The term sheet shows a clear roadmap for building a missile production site in Poland…The factory will increase Poland’s independence in ammunition production and provide huge potential for industrial and economic growth. We expect the plant to become a supply centre not only for the Polish armed forces but also for the armies of other European countries,” Piotr Wojciechowski, Chairman of WB Group said. 

Once built, the factory will be able to produce the 80 km range CGR-80 guided missiles for the Homar-K, a Polish version of the K239 Chunmoo rocket launcher, which is mounted on the Polish Jelcz 8×8 chassis. Poland has ordered 290 Homar-K launchers from Hanwha, each of which can carry 12 of the CGR-80 missiles. Poland will also receive the CTM-290, a larger missile with a range of 290 km 

The Homar-K order is in addition to a very large order for 500 of the M142 HIMARS Multiple Rocket Launch System from Lockheed Martin, which will be supplied with GMLRS missiles and ATACMS. 

Calibre comment

This announcement is important for European defence, which is struggling to scale the production of complex weapons and nervous about over-reliance on US companies for strategic munitions. Establishing European production of things like Patriot rocket motors and long-range missiles allows European states to have some measure of security over their supply chains and meet their needs domestically. However, further work to ensure the supply of raw materials and microelectronics will still be needed to provide robust security of supply. 

By Sam Cranny-Evans, published on 16th April, 2025.