K-Defense Showcases Its Capabilities in Poland, Expanding Beyond K9 into Air Defense, Unmanned Systems and Space

[Financial News] South Korean defense companies are heading to Europe’s largest defense exhibition in Poland to target the local market. Building on export successes in Europe with the K9 self-propelled howitzer, K239 Chunmoo and Cheongung-II, they plan to expand into layered air defense networks, precision-guided weapons, unmanned systems and space-based artificial intelligence (AI).



According to the defense industry on the 7th, Hanwha Aerospace, Hanwha Systems and LIG Defense & Aerospace (LIG D&A) will participate in MSPO 2026, held in Poland from the 8th to the 11th. About 1,000 defense companies from more than 40 countries worldwide will take part in the exhibition.
Hanwha will expand its export portfolio into air defense and unmanned systems, building on its business foundation in Poland established through the K9 self-propelled howitzer and K239 Chunmoo multiple rocket launcher. Hanwha Aerospace will showcase the Long-range surface-to-air missile (L-SAM), the H-SHORAD short-range air defense system, the H-Shield counter-drone system and a 40mm wheeled unmanned air defense system.
The company plans to highlight its ability to build a layered air defense network capable of responding in stages to low-, medium- and high-altitude threats by linking Hanwha Systems’ command-and-control (C2) system with interceptor drones. It will also display Cheongwang, the country’s first operational laser anti-aircraft weapon, a 50kW-class mobile laser armored vehicle and a 20kW-class laser tactical vehicle.
In the unmanned systems sector, Hanwha will unveil a manned-unmanned teaming (MUM-T) system linking the K9A1 self-propelled howitzer, an unmanned amphibious multiple rocket launcher and the H-UGV unmanned ground vehicle. At sea, it will target demand for naval modernization in Baltic countries with the Striker-S, which combines an unmanned surface vessel (USV) with a Chunmoo launcher.
Hanwha is also targeting additional orders from Poland. Hanwha Aerospace will display the K9A2 performance-enhanced model, 155mm course-correcting fuzes and modular charge systems (MCS), while pursuing the third K9 execution contract (EC3) in Poland. It will also introduce follow-on logistics support capabilities, including four types of Chunmoo guided missiles, a health and usage monitoring system (HUMS) and a K9 turret simulator.
Hanwha Systems will present differentiated solutions in the space sector as well. On the 9th, it will demonstrate for the first time how AI analyzes in real time imagery captured by an operational satellite. AI will analyze imagery transmitted by electro-optical (EO), infrared (IR) and synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites to perform automatic object detection, situational pattern analysis and anomaly detection.

At the exhibition, LIG D&A will focus on Poland’s layered air defense network project and the Korean GPS-guided bomb (KGGB) program. It plans to target the Polish military’s demand for air defense modernization by displaying integrated air defense solutions such as Cheongung-II and L-SAM. Through the KGGB, it will also address demand to strengthen the air force’s precision-strike capabilities.
The KGGB is a weapon system that equips existing conventional bombs with guidance kits and wings to provide long-range precision-strike capabilities. LIG D&A plans to target Poland’s air force modernization program by emphasizing operational data and precision.
The company will also expand cooperation with global defense contractors. At Rheinmetall’s booth, LIG D&A will display a short-range air defense missile and a vehicle-mounted launcher mock-up developed through the companies’ cooperation, while exploring the possibility of jointly entering the European market.
An LIG D&A representative said, "Our participation in MSPO 2026 will be an important opportunity to take defense cooperation with Poland to the next level, going beyond a simple product exhibition. By providing optimal solutions for the needs of the Polish military, including layered air defense networks and the KGGB, we will raise the standing of K-defense and expand our foothold for entering the European market."
[email protected] Won-il Jung Reporter