By Diplomacy Journal Lee Kap-soo

Hanwha Aerospace, and its Europe based subsidiary Hanwha Aerospace Europe, along with the Polish Military Institute of Armament Technology (WITU), have signed a strategic cooperation MOU during the MSPO 2025 international defence exhibition.

This agreement paves the way for deeper industrial cooperation and is a foundational step toward strengthening Poland's sovereign defence capabilities, particularly in the ammunition sector.

Under this MOU, Hanwha Aerospace and WITU have agreed to collaborate on various aspects of ammunition technology, including the design, testing, production, management, and life-cycle research of ammunition and propellants for Modular Charge Systems (MCS).

The partnership will focus on joint qualification testing of 155mm ammunition based on platforms currently in operation by the Polish Armed Forces, the collaborative development of research methodologies and life-cycle testing programs, and the promotion of joint research and development projects to strengthen ties between academia and industry.

Colonel Paweł Sweklej, Director of WITU, said “This agreement opens up new possibilities for joint R&D projects and will materially strengthen Poland's defence capabilities by building sustainable synergy with international partners.”

Billy Boo Hwan Lee, the Head of the PGM Business Group of Hanwha Aerospace said, "We are delighted to cooperate with WITU. I am confident that our joint initiatives in R&D and scientific exchange will strengthen our mutual capabilities and contribute to the development of innovative solutions for security and defence. As a key supplier to the Polish Armed Forces, Hanwha Aerospace views this cooperation as an opportunity to exchange and develop knowledge and best practices."

Jacek Cyrek, the Head of Hanwha Aerospace Europe, added, "Strengthening cooperation with academia and industry is crucial for Hanwha. It builds sustainable bilateral relationships and lays the foundation for future technological breakthroughs. Cooperation with WITU, not only fosters technological advancement but also helps build a long-term, mutually beneficial relationship, which is key to future innovation."

This strategic alliance marks a significant step toward enhancing Poland's self-reliance in the defense sector. This deep technical collaboration serves as a cornerstone for establishing a sovereign production capability, ensuring a stable ammunition supply for Poland’s self-propelled howitzers and ultimately positioning Poland as a strategic hub for ammunition production and supply within the European and NATO framework.