Hanwha Aerospace at MSPO 2026: From Proven Partnership to New Capabilities and Future Technologies
Kielce, 8–11 September 2026
This year’s International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO) in Kielce provided Hanwha Aerospace with an opportunity to showcase its extensive portfolio of advanced defence technologies and, above all, to take further concrete steps towards strengthening industrial and technological cooperation with Poland. The signing of a sublicense agreement for the Homar-K system, new agreements with Polish research institutions, the presentation of the next-generation K9 self-propelled howitzer, and advanced solutions in air defence, unmanned systems and space technologies were among the highlights of Hanwha’s participation in this year’s exhibition.
Under the theme “Proven Partnership. Strategic Capabilities. Sovereign Defence.”, Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Systems presented a joint portfolio addressing the modernisation needs of the Polish Armed Forces and other NATO member states. This year’s exhibition also highlighted the direction of cooperation with Poland: from the delivery of defence systems and in-service support, through production localisation and technology transfer, to the joint development of new industrial and research and development capabilities.
Homar-K: Another Step Towards Localising Production in Poland
One of the most significant events of this year’s MSPO was the signing of a sublicense agreement between Hanwha Aerospace and the Polish Armament Agency concerning the Homar-K programme.
The agreement provides for the transfer of technical documentation and rights to the Polish State Treasury, enabling the production and assembly of selected spare parts for Homar-K launcher modules. Under separate agreements, the documentation and rights may be made available to Polish companies, laying the groundwork for the further development of domestic production and maintenance capabilities.
The scope of cooperation includes the possibility of producing more than 600 selected spare parts in Poland and developing domestic capabilities for the production of transport-launch containers for 122 mm rockets, used, among others, by the WR-40 Langusta system.
The agreement marks another stage in the implementation of the Homar-K programme, which covers a total of 290 launchers for the Polish Armed Forces. It builds on previous efforts to integrate the system onto Polish-made Jelcz chassis and the ongoing localisation of CGR-080 guided missile production, pursued through cooperation between Hanwha Aerospace and WB Group.
The development of domestic production, maintenance and technological capabilities remains one of the key pillars of Hanwha Aerospace’s long-term commitment to Poland.
New Agreements with Polish Research Institutions
MSPO 2026 also marked further progress in strengthening cooperation between Hanwha Aerospace Europe and Poland’s research and development community.
On the second day of the exhibition, a cooperation agreement was signed with the Air Force Institute of Technology (ITWL). The document was signed by Jacek Cyrek, President and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace Europe, and Mirosław Kowalski, Director of ITWL. The agreement covers cooperation in defence technologies and research and development.
Another important milestone was the signing of a cooperation agreement with the Łukasiewicz Research Network – Institute of Industrial Organic Chemistry (Łukasiewicz–IPO). The document was signed by Jacek Cyrek and Jakub Gadek, representing the Institute.
The cooperation encompasses the development of defence technologies, joint research and development activities, the exchange of expertise, and the exploration of solutions for future defence programmes.
Both agreements align with Hanwha Aerospace Europe’s strategy of expanding cooperation with Polish industrial and scientific partners and strengthening domestic technological capabilities.
K9A2 and the Future of Modern Artillery
An important element of Hanwha Aerospace’s exhibition was the presentation of the next-generation K9 self-propelled howitzer, the K9A2.
Equipped with an automated ammunition loading system, the K9A2 represents the next stage in the evolution of the K9 family, currently operated by the Polish Armed Forces and the armed forces of several NATO member states and partner countries.
The K9A2 offers new capabilities in terms of automation, increased rate of fire and reduced crew requirements. The development of this platform also opens up new opportunities for further technological and industrial cooperation with Poland, including potential future stages of the K9 programme.
Hanwha Aerospace also showcased solutions related to 155 mm artillery ammunition, including the Modular Charge System (MCS) and trajectory-correcting fuzes.
The exhibition was complemented by technologies supporting the operation and maintenance of artillery systems, including the Health and Usage Monitoring System (HUMS) and a K9 turret simulator.
These solutions reflect Hanwha Aerospace’s comprehensive approach to developing artillery capabilities, encompassing not only the delivery of defence systems but also ammunition, training, technical support and maintenance throughout their entire service life.
Layered Air Defence and Laser Technologies
At MSPO 2026, Hanwha also showcased its extensive portfolio of air defence solutions designed to counter threats at different ranges and altitudes.
The technologies on display included the L-SAM missile defence system, H-SHORAD short-range air defence solutions, and H-Shield, an integrated, multilayered air defence concept.
The exhibition also featured counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS), including solutions employing 40 mm guns and laser weapons.
Hanwha presented its capabilities in the development of directed-energy technologies, including the Cheongwang laser system and 20 kW and 50 kW laser solutions.
These technologies address the growing importance of layered airspace protection, particularly in response to threats posed by unmanned aerial vehicles and precision-guided weapons.
Unmanned Systems and Manned-Unmanned Teaming
Another major focus of this year’s exhibition was unmanned systems and the Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) concept, which enables cooperation between manned and unmanned platforms on the modern battlefield.
Hanwha Aerospace presented a concept integrating the K9A1 self-propelled howitzer, an unmanned multiple rocket launcher and the H-UGV unmanned ground vehicle. This solution enables reconnaissance, manoeuvre and fire support missions while reducing the direct exposure of soldiers to battlefield threats.
The technologies on display also included the K-NIFV infantry fighting vehicle, an Active Protection System (APS), and unmanned solutions designed for maritime applications.
A particular highlight was Striker-S, an unmanned surface vessel integrated with a Chunmoo rocket launcher, demonstrating the potential for deploying precision-strike systems in the maritime environment.
Space Technologies and Artificial Intelligence
One of the highlights of this year’s MSPO was the presentation of a Hanwha Systems solution that uses artificial intelligence to analyse satellite data.
The demonstration showcased the processing of electro-optical (EO), infrared (IR) and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imagery acquired from orbiting satellites.
The system uses artificial intelligence algorithms to automatically detect and classify objects, identify changes and analyse imagery.
The technology can support intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance activities, as well as decision-making processes, by reducing the time between data acquisition and its operational use.
The presentation highlighted the growing importance of integrating space technologies, artificial intelligence, and command and reconnaissance systems in the development of modern defence capabilities.
“Proud Veteran Award” – Recognition for Hanwha Aerospace Europe
This year’s MSPO also held special significance for Hanwha Aerospace Europe in terms of its social commitment.
On 10 September, the company received the “Dumny Weteran” (Proud Veteran) award in recognition of its commitment to supporting Polish veterans of overseas military missions.
The award ceremony took place at the Military University of Technology (WAT) stand. Jacek Cyrek, President and CEO of Hanwha Aerospace Europe, accepted the award on behalf of the company from Stanisław Wziątek, Undersecretary of State at the Polish Ministry of National Defence, and Tomasz Kloc, President of the Association of Wounded and Injured Veterans of Missions Abroad.
The award recognises the company’s two-year cooperation with the Association, during which Hanwha Aerospace Europe has supported rehabilitation, sports and community-building initiatives, as well as activities dedicated to preserving the memory of Polish soldiers.
Supporting the veteran community remains an important element of Hanwha Aerospace Europe’s social commitment in Poland, extending beyond the company’s industrial and business activities.
Dialogue with Polish Partners and Future Areas of Cooperation
Throughout the four days of MSPO, the Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Systems stand hosted numerous meetings with representatives of the Polish government, the Polish Armed Forces, the defence industry, and research and development institutions.
Among the visitors were Wojciech Balczun, Minister of State Assets, and Paweł Bejda, Secretary of State at the Ministry of National Defence, who explored the technologies on display and Hanwha’s future development plans.
Discussions held during the exhibition focused on both the implementation of ongoing modernisation programmes and opportunities to further expand industrial cooperation, technology transfer, production localisation, and joint research and development initiatives.
Hanwha’s presence at this year’s MSPO demonstrated the expanding scope of its cooperation with Poland – from tube and rocket artillery to air defence, unmanned systems, space technologies and artificial intelligence.
Hanwha Aerospace Europe continues to strengthen its presence in Poland, combining the implementation of ongoing programmes with the development of long-term technological and industrial capabilities.
The agreements signed in Kielce, the solutions presented and the discussions held with Polish partners have opened up further avenues for cooperation, built on mutual trust, shared experience and a commitment to strengthening Poland’s defence capabilities.
Proven Partnership. Strategic Capabilities. Sovereign Defence.