Poland’s Armaments Agency has signed a framework agreement valued at 8 billion PLN for the procurement of several thousand Piorun man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS). Funded under the European Union’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) initiative, the joint procurement program covers several thousand missiles, hundreds of gripstocks, simulators, and associated training and logistics packages scheduled for delivery through 2030. The agreement was executed by Major General Artur Kuptel, head of the Armaments Agency, alongside executive board members of manufacturer Mesko S.A.
The framework establishes a multinational consortium comprising Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, and Norway, with Poland’s Armaments Agency managing the joint acquisition process. Poland will receive over 80 percent of the total order, while Lithuania joins existing users Poland, Latvia, and Norway in adopting the system to replace its older Grom platforms. This was reported by Defence24.
Developed by Mesko in cooperation with CRW Telesystem-Mesko and the Military University of Technology, the Piorun is designed to engage combat aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and uncrewed aerial vehicles at ranges from 400 meters to over 6.5 kilometers and altitudes between 10 meters and 4 kilometers. Capable of shoulder-fired operation or integration with air defense units such as Pilica, Poprad, or Kusza, the system incorporates advanced guidance mechanisms to operate under electronic interference conditions.
Polish defense officials confirmed that executive contracts will follow within weeks, with additional European Union members expected to join the procurement initiative. To support the expanded order volume and ongoing development of the next-generation Piorun 2 system, Poland plans to construct a new manufacturing line.
