Poland Secures €4B Financing for South Korean K9 Howitzers, HOMAR-K Launchers

Poland has announced the start of the implementation of agreements for K9 self-propelled howitzers and HOMAR-K multiple rocket launchers.

The announcements were made during a press briefing on December 2 held by Deputy Minister of Defense Paweł Bejda and the Head of the Armaments Agency, General Artur Kuptel, at the Ministry of National Defense (MON) headquarters in Warsaw.

Bejda highlighted the critical funding agreement secured with the Bank Gospodarstwa Krajowego (BGK), which authorized the release of €4 billion for the execution of these contracts. This funding ensures the finalization of the agreements for the K9 self-propelled howitzers and HOMAR-K rocket launchers, which had previously been held up due to financial constraints.

The K9 howitzers, part of an ongoing modernization of Poland’s artillery capabilities, will include a comprehensive package involving logistics, training, spare parts, and the establishment of a service and maintenance center. The contract also includes the option for future production of modular ammunition. The delivery of K9 units will occur through 2028–2030, aligning with the operational readiness of Poland’s expanded air force.

Regarding the HOMAR-K system, Bejda detailed that the agreement for these South Korean-made K239 Chunmoo rocket launchers had been updated to include additional units, raising the number of launchers from 288 to 290, with two additional launchers allocated to the Training and Armaments Center in Toruń. The contract, spanning from 2023 to 2029, also includes the integration of the launchers with Polish Jelcz chassis and the Topaz command and control system. As of now, 66 modules have been delivered, with 35 complete launchers already integrated into the Polish Armed Forces.

Bejda also announced that deliveries of HOMAR-K units are accelerating, with some deliveries scheduled for 2025 arriving ahead of schedule. The next batch of six HOMAR-K launchers is expected soon, and additional rocket systems, including the CGR-080 missiles, will be produced in Poland.

On November 29, Bejda announced Poland's largest contract to date for 232 AM9X Sidewinder Block II missiles, with a range of 40 kilometers. He highlighted the quick approval process, from U.S. Congress approval to contract signing in just six months. Bejda also noted that the purchase complements Poland's AMRAAM and JASMM missile acquisitions, aimed at strengthening air defense. The missiles will be deployed in F-16, F-35, and FA-50 aircraft, with deliveries scheduled for 2028-2030.