Hanwha Aerospace, in cooperation with the General Tadeusz Kościuszko Military University of Land Forces (AWL) in Wrocław, has completed a key stage of the 1.2 million PLN Hanwha Global Challenger Project. As part of this initiative, two state-of-the-art hybrid Smart Classrooms have been established at AWL, and the first group of students has received scholarships awarded under the program The ceremony took place at the Military University of Land Forces in Wrocław on 27 November 2025.
The ceremony was held on the University Day and Cadet Day, during which AWL organised an open day featuring dynamic demonstrations and presentations of military equipment.
Launched during the International Defence Industry Exhibition MSPO 2025 in Kielce, the Global Challenger Project will run until July 2026 and will benefit nearly 2,900 students and staff members. Poland is the first country in which Hanwha has implemented this initiative, underscoring the importance of educational and defense cooperation between the Republic of Korea and Poland – one of Hanwha’s strategic partners.
Hanwha Smart Learning Lab – modern educational infrastructure for future officers
During a ribbon-cutting ceremony, Jacek Cyrek – President of Hanwha Aerospace Europe, and Col. Piotr Szczepański, PhD Eng., Associate Professor – Vice-Rector for Student Affairs of AWL, officially opened the two new smart classrooms named Hanwha Smart Learning Labs.
The Vice-Rector said during the ceremony:
“The recently launched chapter of our dynamic cooperation can serve as a model for how this type of partnership should look. The speed of action combined with an outstanding level of organization (…)
We are deeply grateful for the opportunity to cooperate with Hanwha, for your flexibility and organizational excellence. The tangible results of this collaboration are the modern Hanwha Smart Learning Lab classrooms established at AWL and the scholarships funded by Hanwha for our students. On behalf of the awardees and the entire AWL community, we express our sincere thanks. These scholarships will allow our students to develop their passions and expand their skills, which they will use in the future to strengthen our shared security.”
Following this, the CEO of Hanwha Aerospace Europe highlighted the importance of the initiative:
“Poland plays a vital role in strengthening security in Europe and remains a cornerstone of NATO, particularly along its Eastern Flank. By supporting the Military University of Land Forces, we are investing in future leaders who will safeguard our shared region in the decades ahead. Today’s handover of the Smart Classrooms and the first scholarships represents Hanwha’s tangible contribution to the development of military education in Poland.”
Both innovative Hanwha Smart Learning Labs are equipped with advanced teaching systems, including digital interactive boards, modern audio-video and videoconferencing technology, remote-teaching camera sets with dedicated software, and state-of-the-art computer workstations.
This investment significantly enhances the University’s teaching capabilities and enables training to be conducted at a standard comparable to leading NATO military academies. Representatives of the Inspectorate for Armed Forces Support also attended the ceremony.
Hanwha Global Challenger Scholarship Program
Following the classroom inauguration, a ceremony was held at AWL to award the first scholarships under the Hanwha Global Challenger Project. In total, 16 students received scholarships granted through a selection process carried out jointly by the University and Hanwha.
The beneficiaries included students distinguished by academic excellence, individuals facing financial or personal hardship, and students from families with a record of service to the Polish state. The total value of scholarships awarded exceeded 150,000 PLN. The ceremony was attended by representatives of the students honored with the scholarships.
The purpose of the scholarship program is to support the development of future national security leaders and experts in international relations. Selected recipients will use the funding to cover expenses necessary for their academic and research activities.
Strategic importance of the project for Poland–Korea relations
Hanwha Aerospace has cooperated closely with Poland for over 15 years, beginning with work on the KRAB self-propelled howitzer, deliveries of K9 howitzers, extensive industrial cooperation on the Polish version of the Chunmoo launcher (Homar-K), and the establishment of domestic production capabilities for the CGR-080 rocket system. Cooperation with AWL is part of Hanwha’s broader engagement in Poland, which includes:
- joint technological and production development with Polish defense companies,
- building local industrial competencies,
- supporting education and military training,
- engaging with veterans’ organizations and local communities.
With its three pillars – educational infrastructure, training programs in Korea, and a scholarship system – the Global Challenger Project is one of the most comprehensive CSR initiatives undertaken by the Korean defense industry in Europe.
