In a significant boost to regional defense capabilities, Poland has partnered with Norway, Lithuania, and Latvia in a substantial defense acquisition. The agreement involves purchasing the Piorun (Thunderbolt) man-portable air defense systems from the Polish state-owned defense entity PGZ. This deal, valued at over 8 billion zloty ($2.2 billion), marks a considerable investment in enhancing military readiness.
The contract encompasses the procurement of “several thousand missiles and several hundred launch units,” according to PGZ’s official release. Poland, leading the consortium, aims to complete the delivery of these systems by 2030. A large portion of this acquisition will be funded through the European Union’s Security Action For Europe (SAFE) program, which provides low-cost loans, totaling approximately €43.7 billion ($50.9 billion), to Poland. Notably, more than 80% of the equipment will be allocated to the Polish military.
“Not only are we implementing this agreement through the Polish defense industry, but our partners from Lithuania, Latvia and Norway have also decided to make purchases in Poland,” stated Deputy Defence Minister Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka. She highlighted the collaborative nature of this initiative, noting that for the first time, the Armament Agency is procuring not just for Polish forces but also for allied nations.
The Piorun system has gained international recognition following its successful deployment in Ukraine, which has driven up demand. PGZ has significantly ramped up its missile production, increasing capacity from 300 to 1,500 units annually, with plans to exceed 2,000 units in the future. This growth is part of an effort to meet rising orders both within Europe and beyond, with nations like the United States, Japan, and Indonesia also acquiring the system.
The current model of the Piorun MANPADS can engage targets at altitudes of up to 4 kilometers (2.5 miles) and has a range extending to 6.5 kilometers (4 miles), according to the manufacturer. Production of these systems takes place at MESKO, a PGZ subsidiary, in Skarżysko-Kamienna, central Poland.
Looking ahead, PGZ is developing an advanced version of the system, termed the Piorun New Generation (NG). This next-generation model promises enhanced range, additional functionalities, and improved portability, as per company spokespersons.
