South Korea’s Hanwha Defense will sign a basic contract with Poland for 288 K329 Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers – valued approximately $6 billion – soon.
The company and Poland's Armament Agency will sign the "framework" deal in Warsaw this week, as per multiple reports.
“We have completed contract negotiations,” Polish defense minister Mariusz Błaszczak confirmed. “I intend to sign a framework contract for the supply of almost 300 K239 Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers.”
Earlier this year, the Polish government signed a $5.76-billion contract to purchase 180 K2 Black Panther Tanks and 212 K9A1 self-propelled howitzers from Seoul. It also signed a $13.7 billion agreement with the Asian nation for 48 light combat aircraft.
Blaszczak added that the Korean side will transfer technologies for the production of rockets for Chunmoo to the Poles.
Poland has been intensifying its arms procurement efforts after it sent military aid to Ukraine in the wake of Russia's invasion of the country.
With a maximum range of over 70km, the Chunmoo multi-caliber launch rocket system entered service with the South Korean military in 2015. The contract provides for a significant supply of rockets with a range of 70km, as well as tactical missiles that can hit targets at a distance of 300km. The K239 fires 130mm and 230mm munitions.
Apart from South Korea, the MLRS is in service with the United Arab Emirates.