Lithuania, Poland to jointly procure Piorun air defence systems

Lithuania and Poland, together with two other European countries, have requested a partial European Union funding for the joint procurement of the Piorun short-range man-portable air defence system (MANPADS) under the European Defence Industry Reinforcement through Common Procurement Act (EDIRPA).

“We are happy to be able to join the Piorun short-range man-portable air defence system procurement. Strengthening of air defence is one of the most critical objectives on our agenda, therefore the purchase is welcome as much as collaboration with our close Ally Poland,” said Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas.

Manufactured by Polish defence company Mesko, the Piorun MANPADS is a modernised version of the Grom MANPADS and is designed to destroy low-flying fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).

Weighing 16.5 kg, the Piorun missile has a maximum speed of 2,400 km/h (1,500 mph) and can hit targets at a distance of over 6 kilometres.

The system has proven itself in combat operations in Ukraine where it has destroyed a number of Russian UAVs and helicopters.

The missile has a fuse equipped with a proximity sensor, which allows for destroying the target in case of its close passing. The modernized launcher also features an additional day sight and a thermal vision sight, allowing the operator to efficiently set usage in night conditions.

Piorun has a new starting mechanism, that allows the selection of pursuit-collision mode, target type, weather conditions, Friend or Foe inquiry, communication with optical and thermal imaging sights, and can be equipped with an authorization system.

Poland’s invitation to Lithuania to join the acquisition of Piorun was announced during the visit of Poland’s Minister of National Defence Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz in Vilnius.

In Lithuanian service, the Piorun will replace the older Grom air defence systems.

Piorun MANPADS