Polygonjournal reports that the information was released by the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ).
According to the announcement, the Polish Armament Agency and MESKO S.A., a company belonging to the PGZ Group, have signed a contract for the delivery of MANPADS under the EDIRPA VSHORAD international consortium. The total value of the planned deliveries will exceed 8 billion Polish zlotys (USD 2.1 billion), with deliveries scheduled to be completed by 2030. The procurement will be financed under the European Union’s SAFE programme.
The EDIRPA VSHORAD consortium comprises Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Norway, with Poland leading the consortium. More than 80 percent of the missiles and launchers to be procured are planned to be delivered to the Polish Armed Forces.
The “Piorun” system is designed to engage aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles and cruise missiles. The system features a modern homing warhead, a proximity fuze and high resistance to electronic countermeasures.
Developed and manufactured in Poland, “Piorun” has become one of the world’s best-known short-range man-portable air defence systems in recent years. Its effectiveness and reliability have also been demonstrated in actual combat operations.
Meanwhile, MESKO continues development work on the “Piorun NG” and “Grzmot” systems, which are considered next-generation successors to the “Piorun”. The new systems are planned to offer greater combat capabilities, increased operational range and enhanced integration with Poland’s air defence systems.
