South Korea’s K239 Chunmoo multiple launch rocket system. Photo, Hanwha Defense.
The Polish Armed Forces has test-fired the HOMAR-K Multiple Rocket Launch System (MRLS) for the first time.
A Polish version of South Korea’s K239 Chunmoo, the first batch of the domestically-produced HOMAR-Ks was delivered to the Polish Army’s 16th Mechanized Division in August this year.
According to Polish news outlet Defence 24, the testing likely included the 239-millimeter guided CGR-080 rocket, which has a range of 80 kilometers (50 miles).
If confirmed, it has a greater range than the HIMARS-launched Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) by 10 kilometers (6.21 miles).
Warsaw bought hundreds of HIMARS and Chunmoo MRLSs in the wake of Russia’s Ukraine invasion in 2022 as a replacement for the aging Soviet-era BM-21 Grad and RM-70 systems.
A total of 290 Chunmoos are being acquired, while the number of HIMARS could go as high as 500.
The first dozen systems were imported from South Korea, while the rest is being produced domestically.
The MRLS is mounted on an 8×8 truck platform produced by Poland’s Jelcz, while the fire control system is produced by the WB Group.
Another local firm, Huta Stalowa Wola, is responsible for integrating the truck with the launcher and eventually manufacturing the launchers.
The system features a pair of rocket containers, each accommodating 6 CGR-080 rockets or a single 600-millimeter CTM-290 tactical ballistic missile, with a range of 290 kilometers (180 miles).
Poland has bought thousands of both the missiles, and talks are underway for domestic license production of the CGR-080.
The HOMAR also allows the launch of unguided 131/227-millimeter rockets, while work is underway to make it compatible with 122-millimeter rockets as well.
