Hanwha Aerospace Breaks Ground on First European Missile Production Facility in Poland

Hanwha Aerospace has officially broken ground on a new guided-missile production facility in Gorzów Wielkopolski, Poland. This project represents the first time the South Korean defense firm has established a manufacturing site for missiles outside of its home country. The facility is operated by HWBAS, a joint venture between Hanwha Aerospace and the Polish WB Group. The groundbreaking ceremony, held on November 4, 2026, marks a significant expansion of the defense partnership between South Korea and Poland. This collaboration has already seen the successful export of K9 self-propelled howitzers and K239 Chunmoo multiple rocket launchers to the Polish military. By moving toward local manufacturing, both nations aim to strengthen Poland’s sovereign defense industrial capabilities. According to company officials, the plant is specifically designed to support the production of missiles for the HOMAR-K system. This system is a key component of Poland's artillery modernization efforts and already integrates Polish-made Jelcz chassis and the WB Group’s TOPAZ combat management system. The new facility will eventually provide a domestic source for these guided munitions. Jeon Jin-cheol, the head of HWBAS, described the event as a vital step in converting South Korean technology into local production capacity. He noted that the project involves building complex production processes and training a skilled local workforce. These efforts are intended to systematically raise defense readiness within the region. Initial manufacturing at the site is targeted to begin in late 2029, with full-scale production expected to follow in 2030. The project is estimated to create over 200 jobs in the local area while sourcing parts and materials from Polish suppliers. This focus on local integration is a central pillar of the agreement between the two companies. Billy Boo-hwan Lee, a representative for the venture, stated that the ambition is to build a sustainable production base that brings together local infrastructure and established industrial processes. He added that the company views this as a long-term partnership. The site is also positioned to serve as a potential supply hub for other European markets in the future. This development follows a series of high-level meetings between South Korean and Polish officials regarding defense and economic cooperation. On November 3, 2026, the seventh South Korea–Poland Joint Economic Committee meeting took place in Warsaw. During these talks, representatives discussed further opportunities for technology cooperation and supply chain integration. Poland has become one of South Korea’s largest trading partners in the European Union, with bilateral trade reaching $10 billion in 2025. The defense sector remains a primary driver of this relationship, as Poland continues to modernize its armed forces with South Korean equipment. The transition from direct imports to licensed local production is a key feature of recent contracts. Beyond the missile plant, the broader defense relationship includes the acquisition of K2 Black Panther tanks and FA-50 light attack aircraft. These procurement programs are designed to enhance Poland's artillery and armored capabilities significantly. The ongoing cooperation also includes provisions for auxiliary vehicles and support systems built by Polish industry. As the European defense market evolves, the establishment of this facility reflects a growing trend toward regionalized production. By localizing the manufacturing of critical munitions, Poland seeks to ensure a more reliable supply chain for its military. This strategy allows for faster replenishment of stockpiles and reduces dependence on long-distance logistics during potential security challenges.