Norway has welcomed the initial consignment of man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS) from Mesko, a subsidiary of the renowned Polish defense conglomerate PGZ. The delivery marks the fruition of a contract signed in late November 2022, valued at NOK 350 million (approximately EUR 30 million), with Mesko to supply the Norwegian Armed Forces with these air defense systems. Mesko’s successful bid in a competitive open tender, organized by the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA, Forsvarsbygg), culminated in the selection of their PPZR Piorun (Przeno?ny Przeciwlotniczy Zestaw Rakietowy Piorun) MANPADS (man-portable air-defense system) over offerings from defense giants in Sweden, France, and the United States. The contract encompasses the provision of “several hundred” anti-aircraft missiles along with an undisclosed quantity of launchers, signifying a robust commitment to enhancing Norway’s defense infrastructure.
Highlighting the meticulous selection process, Mesko underscored that their proposal not only met but exceeded the operational and technical requisites stipulated by the Norwegian Armed Forces. The company’s proposal was deemed the most advantageous, excelling in aspects of contract conditions, including cost-effectiveness and adherence to the delivery schedule. Dr. Eng. Przemys?aw Kowalczuk, Member of the Management Board for Development at Mesko, expressed gratitude for the confidence shown by Norway in selecting their combat-proven Piorun system. Mesko’s successful track record, including the recent delivery of Piorun sets to Ukraine as military aid, underscores the system’s efficacy and reliability in real combat scenarios. With a weight of 19.5 kilograms, its portability aligns with its potency.
The Piorun man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS) has emerged as a formidable solution designed by Poland’s defense innovation. This system, aptly named “thunderbolt” in Polish, stands at the forefront of advanced technologies, reshaping the landscape of anti-aircraft defense. The Piorun system represents a significant upgrade from its predecessor, the PPZR Grom set. With its versatility, it targets low-flying aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, and even winged rockets. Its robust features include a proximity sensor-equipped fuse, ensuring efficient target destruction when in close proximity. The system’s technical specifications speak volumes about its capabilities: a warhead equipped for fragmentation and high-explosive functions, a proximity fuse ensuring precision targeting within altitude ranges of 10 to 4000 meters, and a distance range spanning from 400 to 6500 meters at an average flight speed of 560 meters per second.
As conflicts evolve and defense needs escalate, the Piorun system stands ready to meet the challenges. Its track record in combat, coupled with ongoing advancements, positions it as a pivotal player in contemporary air defense solutions, with the potential for broader adoption among nations seeking cutting-edge defense mechanisms. In the ever-evolving realm of defense technology, the Piorun MANPADS is carving its place as a game-changer, reshaping strategies and bolstering the defense capabilities of nations seeking reliable and versatile anti-aircraft systems.
Amidst the recent conflict during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, reports surfaced suggesting the effectiveness of Piorun missiles against Russian jet fighters like the Su-34 and Su-25, alongside helicopters such as the Mi-24 and Ka-52. The Armed Forces of Ukraine attributed several successful takedowns to the precision and reliability of these Polish-manufactured missiles, underscoring their impact on the modern battlefield.
