Poland National Defence Minister Mariusz Błaszczak has reached a framework agreement with the South Korean Government to procure 288 K239 Chunmoo launchers for its armed forces.
The contract also includes the delivery of related Korean defence technologies.
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According to the minister, the deal follows delivery limitations regarding a contract signed in 2019 to purchase High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS) from the US.
Following this, Poland turned to its ‘proven partner’ for the acquisition of K239 Chunmoo launchers.
Stating that the K239 Chunmoo is ‘comparable’ to HIMARS, Błaszczak said: “I believe that the fact that the first Chunmoo sets will be delivered to Poland as early as next year is the best and most tangible achievement of the joint Polish-Korean efforts.”
The Korean self-propelled, wheeled, multi-missile launcher can fire shells of various calibres.
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By GlobalDataThe launcher features two missile containers, each of which can hold as many as six 239mm guided missiles, offering a range of over 80km. The container can also carry a ballistic missile with a range exceeding 290km.
The Chunmoos will be placed on Jelcz trucks, manufactured by the Polish Armaments Group.
The launchers will also be integrated with Polish communication and battlefield management systems.
The full operability of the equipment is expected to be achieved in 2023.
Błaszczak noted that 18 launchers will be deployed for the 18th Mechanized ‘Iron’ Division.
He said: “They will serve the protection of Nato’s eastern flank, thus the safety of eastern Poland. It will be an appropriate response to the threats against our security.
“The goal is to effectively scare the aggressor, to show our strength so that the aggressor does not dare to attack Poland, nor any countries of the North Atlantic Alliance.”
Poland’s Defence Ministry also confirmed the delivery of the first K2 main battle tanks and K9 self-propelled howitzers ordered earlier this year as part of framework agreements with South Korea.
