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Poland, Norway, Lithuania and Latvia have agreed to jointly procure Polish-made Piorun man-portable air defense systems from Poland’s state-owned defense group PGZ under a framework agreement worth more than $2.2 billion.

The agreement covers several thousand Piorun missiles and several hundred launch units, with deliveries scheduled to continue through 2030. Poland will lead the multinational procurement, with more than 80 percent of the equipment expected to go to the Polish Armed Forces.

The exact number of missiles and launch units under the framework agreement has not been publicly disclosed, with specific quantities and detailed delivery schedules to be set out in subsequent executive contracts.

The deal is the largest procurement contract for the Piorun system to date and reflects growing demand for short-range air defense across Europe as NATO members strengthen their ability to counter aircraft, helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles.

European Cooperation

The procurement is being organized as a joint purchase involving Poland, Lithuania, Latvia and Norway, with Poland serving as the consortium leader.

The Polish portion of the procurement will be financed through the European Union’s Security Action for Europe (SAFE) program, which provides Warsaw with access to around €43.7 billion ($50.9 billion) in low-cost loans for defense-related investments.

Polish Deputy Defense Minister Magdalena Sobkowiak-Czarnecka said the agreement marked a new approach to defense procurement, with Poland’s Armament Agency purchasing equipment not only for the Polish military but also for allied armed forces.

“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,” she said.

She added that the Piorun had become one of Poland’s most successful defense exports and said interest in the system had increased significantly among European countries.

The agreement includes the Piorun missiles and launch systems as well as simulators, training and logistics packages. The exact number of missiles and launchers has not been publicly disclosed.

Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz described the agreement as the largest contract in the history of Piorun procurement.

“This contract is worth PLN 8 billion [over $2.16 billion], the largest contract in history for the purchase of Piorun MANPADS, both launch systems and missiles, which will be used by the Polish Armed Forces, the Armed Forces of the Republic of Latvia, the Republic of Lithuania, and the Kingdom of Norway,” he said.

He also highlighted the unusual structure of the arrangement, noting that the multinational consortium was formed by states rather than companies.

Piorun Production Expands

The agreement comes as PGZ and its subsidiary MESKO expand production of the Piorun to meet growing international demand.

PGZ has increased its annual dedicated missile production capacity from around 300 units several years ago to approximately 1,500. The company plans to raise that figure to more than 2,000 missiles annually.

MESKO, Poland’s leading ammunition and rocket manufacturer, produces the Piorun at its facility in Skarzysko-Kamienna in central Poland.

PGZ President Adam Leszkiewicz said the agreement would strengthen the military capabilities of Poland and its allies while expanding the position of Polish defense companies in the European market.

“This is where resources and expertise remain; this is where development takes place,” Polish Deputy Minister of State Assets Konrad Golota said.

The production increase is aimed at addressing demand from European customers as governments invest more heavily in layered air defense and seek to replenish stocks after years of weapons deliveries to Ukraine.

The Piorun has also been exported beyond Europe. Its users include countries such as the United States, Japan and Indonesia, alongside several European and NATO members.

Combat Experience Drives Demand

The Piorun’s growing international reputation has been closely linked to its use by Ukraine following Russia’s invasion.

Poland supplied Piorun systems to Ukraine in 2022, and Ukrainian forces have reported using the missiles against Russian aircraft and helicopters during the war.

The system is designed to engage low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles. Its infrared homing seeker and proximity fuse are intended to improve its ability to engage small and maneuverable targets.

The current version can engage targets at distances of up to 6.5 kilometers and at altitudes of up to 4 kilometers, according to manufacturer data. The system weighs about 19.5 kilograms.

The Piorun is an upgraded development of Poland’s Grom man-portable air defense system, which itself is based on the Soviet-designed 9K38 Igla.

The modernization introduced a modified launch mechanism, a more sensitive homing head, and an optoelectronic sight mounted on a dedicated rail. These changes improved target acquisition, resistance to electronic countermeasures, and effective engagement range.

The system also incorporates a proximity fuse alongside its impact fuse and a directional warhead designed to increase effectiveness against small targets, including drones. Additional features include a user authorization system and night-firing capability.

Growing European Demand

The Piorun has become one of Poland’s most successful defense exports as European countries seek additional short-range air defense capabilities.

Piorun operators and customers include Poland, Ukraine, Lithuania, Latvia, Norway, Estonia, Belgium, Sweden, Georgia, Moldova and the United States.

France has also expressed interest in the Piorun. Separately, MESKO and TELESYSTEM signed an agreement with Naval Group in June to demonstrate the missile on Naval Group’s Rampart modular launcher during future naval exercises, as a first step toward possible integration.

The growing customer base has provided Poland with an opportunity to expand its domestic defense industry while strengthening cooperation with European allies.

The latest agreement also gives Lithuania, Latvia and Norway access to a system already used by several NATO countries, potentially supporting greater interoperability among allied forces.

The procurement comes amid a broader European push to develop and replenish air defense capabilities. The war in Ukraine has highlighted the importance of relatively mobile and affordable systems capable of defending forces and infrastructure against aircraft and increasingly widespread drone threats.

Poland’s leadership of the procurement also strengthens its role as a regional defense supplier. By using European financing and coordinating purchases among several allied countries, Warsaw is combining national defense investment with a broader effort to expand cooperation within Europe.

PGZ and MESKO are simultaneously preparing a new version of the weapon, known as the Piorun New Generation, or Piorun NG.

The next-generation system is expected to offer a longer range, additional capabilities and improved portability. The development is intended to build on the experience gained from the current Piorun while responding to changing battlefield requirements.

With deliveries under the new agreement continuing until 2030, the contract is expected to provide a major boost to Poland’s missile production industry while equipping four European countries with additional short-range air defense systems.