On 4 November 2026, a groundbreaking ceremony was held in Gorzów Wielkopolski for the guided missile production facility of Hanwha WB Advanced System (HWBAS), a Polish joint venture established by Hanwha Aerospace and WB Electronics, part of WB Group. The investment marks a major milestone in Polish–Korean defence cooperation, extending the partnership beyond the delivery of advanced military equipment to encompass technology transfer and the establishment of sustainable, strategic industrial capabilities in Poland.
The new facility will manufacture CGR080 guided missiles for the HOMAR-K multiple launch rocket systems operated by the Polish Armed Forces. Establishing domestic production of this type of ammunition will represent an important step towards strengthening Poland’s industrial self-reliance, improving supply chain resilience and securing the long-term ammunition requirements of the Polish military.
The ceremony brought together representatives of the Polish and Korean governments, institutions responsible for the modernisation of the armed forces, and the defence industry. Attendees included Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka, Secretary of State at the Polish Ministry of National Defence; Colonel Robert Frommholz, Deputy Head of the Polish Armament Agency; Jacek Wójcicki, Mayor of Gorzów Wielkopolski; as well as representatives of the Republic of Korea’s administration and the leadership of Hanwha Aerospace and WB Group.
More Than a Decade of Cooperation with the Polish Defence Industry
The investment in Gorzów Wielkopolski represents another milestone in Hanwha’s partnership with the Polish defence industry, which dates back to 2014. The cooperation began with Huta Stalowa Wola under the Krab self-propelled howitzer programme, involving the supply and licensed production of Korean chassis.
In subsequent years, the partnership expanded to include the K9 self-propelled howitzer and HOMAR-K multiple launch rocket system programmes, both of which play an important role in the technical modernisation of the Polish Armed Forces.
Today, this cooperation is entering a new phase, focused on establishing advanced manufacturing capabilities in Poland through technology transfer, the development of domestic industrial expertise and the creation of a sustainable, long-term industrial base.
In 2025, Hanwha Aerospace and WB Electronics established Hanwha WB Advanced System. In December of the same year, a consortium led by HWBAS signed an agreement with the Polish Armament Agency for the supply of CGR080 guided missiles to be manufactured in Poland.
Technology Transfer and the Development of Domestic Manufacturing Capabilities
The primary objective of the investment is to establish domestic production of CGR080 guided missiles for the HOMAR-K system. However, the project extends far beyond the construction of a manufacturing facility.
A central element of the investment is the transfer of technology and specialised engineering know-how, enabling the implementation of advanced manufacturing processes and quality management systems in Poland, as well as the development of the expertise required for guided missile production.
“As a Polish company, our task is to build the capability to manufacture here in Poland. That means developing not only the plant, but also the production processes and the team able to translate technology into day-to-day manufacturing operations,” emphasised Jin Cheol Jeon, CEO of HWBAS.
Developed in cooperation with the Polish Ministry of National Defence and the Armament Agency, the project is also intended to support the establishment of domestic maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) capabilities and the development of a resilient, locally based supply chain.
As a result, the investment will contribute not only to the implementation of the HOMAR-K programme but also to sustaining the system’s operational capabilities over the long term.
Investment in Local Industry and Skills Development
An important part of the project is the development of cooperation with local businesses and technical education institutions.
HWBAS has signed a letter of intent with the Centre for Vocational Education and Business (CEZiB) in Gorzów Wielkopolski. The agreement provides a framework for cooperation on vocational training, internships, apprenticeships, workshops and the adaptation of educational programmes to the future requirements of the manufacturing facility.
These activities are intended to support the development of a skilled workforce and specialised technical expertise in the region. At the same time, cooperation with local businesses will be expanded, creating opportunities for Polish companies to participate in the supply chain associated with advanced guided missile production.
The HWBAS investment therefore represents an opportunity to develop a new segment of advanced manufacturing in the Lubuskie region, combining strategic importance for national security with long-term benefits for the local economy.
A Strategic Partnership with Long-Term Development Potential
Preliminary site works have already begun. Under the current schedule, initial local production is targeted for the end of 2029, while full-scale serial production is planned to commence in 2030.
The facility’s primary mission will be to manufacture CGR080 guided missiles. At the same time, the infrastructure, technological expertise and manufacturing processes being developed could provide a foundation for expanding production to additional types of guided missile systems in the future, in line with the evolving requirements of the Polish Armed Forces.
“Together with WB GROUP and HWBAS, we aim to combine licensed technology and production know-how with the expertise and manufacturing capability being developed in Poland. Our ambition is to build a sustainable production base that brings together local infrastructure, skilled teams and established industrial processes,” said Billy Boo-hwan Lee, President and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace.
The HWBAS investment in Gorzów Wielkopolski demonstrates how a long-term international partnership can contribute to establishing strategic defence capabilities within a partner country.
Through technology transfer, the development of domestic manufacturing, the strengthening of industrial expertise and the establishment of local supply chains, Polish–Korean cooperation is building lasting foundations for Poland’s security while supporting the growth of its economy and technological capabilities.