KIELCE, POLAND — South Korea’s Hanwha Aerospace and Hanwha Systems have opened a joint exhibition at the 34th International Defence Industry Exhibition (MSPO 2026) in Kielce, Poland.
The exhibition runs from September 8 to September 11 under the slogan “Proven Partnership. Strategic Capabilities. Sovereign Defence.” The companies are sharing an approximately 274-square-metre stand in Hall 1, Booth A17.
Hanwha’s defense cooperation with Poland dates back to 2014, when Poland selected the K9 chassis for its Krab self-propelled howitzer. The partnership later expanded to the K9 program and the Chunmoo rocket launcher, known in Poland as Homar-K.
Layered Air Defense and Laser Weapons
A key focus of the exhibition is Hanwha’s multi-layered air defense architecture. The display includes the L-SAM long-range surface-to-air missile system, H-SHORAD short-range air defense system, H-Shield counter-drone system and a 40mm wheeled counter-UAS vehicle.
These systems are designed to connect with Hanwha Systems’ command-and-control network and operate alongside interceptor drones, covering threats ranging from low-altitude drones to longer-range missiles.
Hanwha Systems is also displaying Cheongwang, also known as Cheonkwang, South Korea’s first operational laser weapon system. The exhibition includes a 50-kilowatt armored vehicle-mounted laser and a 20-kilowatt tactical laser. Hanwha says each laser shot costs approximately 2,000 South Korean won, or about $1.50, and can neutralize a small drone within seconds.
Manned-Unmanned Teaming
For ground operations, Hanwha is demonstrating its Manned-Unmanned Teaming (MUM-T) concept. The display combines the crewed K9A1 howitzer with an unmanned rocket launcher and the H-UGV unmanned ground vehicle.
The concept uses the crewed howitzer for fire support while unmanned systems conduct reconnaissance and tactical manoeuvres. An export version of the K-NIFV infantry fighting vehicle fitted with an active protection system is also on display to demonstrate improved vehicle survivability.
For naval operations, Hanwha is displaying the Striker-S unmanned surface vessel, also referred to as Stryker-S in some reports. The vessel is equipped with a Chunmoo rocket launcher and is being presented for potential Baltic Sea operations.
K9A2 and Chunmoo Production
Hanwha is displaying the upgraded K9A2 howitzer together with a new 155mm ammunition package featuring a trajectory-correcting fuze and modular propellant charge system intended to improve accuracy.
The company is negotiating a third execution contract with Poland for the K9 artillery family.
Hanwha is also highlighting its approximately $4 billion agreement signed in December to manufacture Chunmoo CGR-080 guided missiles, known locally as Homar-K, at a dedicated facility in Poland. Deliveries are scheduled to begin in 2030, supporting the localization of South Korean weapons manufacturing in Poland.
Four Chunmoo guided rocket variants are displayed at MSPO, along with maintenance equipment, a predictive health-monitoring system and a K9 turret simulator.
Space AI
On September 9, Hanwha Systems is scheduled to publicly demonstrate its new satellite-imagery analysis system.
The system uses artificial intelligence to process electro-optical, infrared and synthetic aperture radar imagery from satellites already in operation. It is designed to automate object detection, analyze situational patterns and flag unusual activity to support military analysts and commanders.
“Hanwha is proud to be a trusted defense and industrial partner in Poland,” said Jacek Cyrek, CEO of Hanwha Aerospace Europe. “At MSPO 2026, we are expanding our local footprint into air defense, MUM-T, and space AI, building true defense sovereignty and industrial capability together on Polish soil.”
MSPO 2026 features more than 1,000 exhibitors from around 40 countries, with Canada as the lead nation this year. The event is organized in cooperation with Poland’s Ministry of National Defence.
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