Estoński żołnierz z polskiej produkcji naramienną wyrzutnią pocisków przeciwlotniczych bardzo krótkiego zasięgu Piorun.
Photo. Estonian Defence Forces | Eesti Kaitsevägi/X
Copy link
Send email
Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur announced the purchase of an additional batch of Piorun shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missile launchers.
In an interview given by the head of the Estonian Ministry of Defense to the Eesti Rahvusringhäälinga station, the topic of the development of the local army’s capabilities in the coming years and what has been achieved so far was discussed. A more detailed discussion of this topic will be the subject of a separate article, which will summarize all the plans and assumptions. The key element of the following article is the announcement that Estonia will purchase Piorun launchers manufactured by Mesko S.A. in Skarżysko-Kamienna.
In September 2022, Estonia purchased 100 Piorun shoulder-fired anti-aircraft missile launchers and 300 warheads for them for an undisclosed amount. Deliveries are to take place between 2023 and 2025. In May this year, it was reported that they had been fired at the Rutja military training ground, achieving 100% effectiveness.
Tallinn’s latest purchase not only shows recognition for the Polish product, but also deepens security cooperation between our countries. For Mesko S.A., this is another export order that demonstrates foreign users« appreciation for their product.
More details about PPZR Piorun
Portable Anti-Aircraft Missile System Piorun is a Polish very short-range anti-aircraft system developed as part of a development project carried out by Mesko (leader), CRW Telesystem-Mesko, and the Military University of Technology, using the experience gained from the construction of the Grom system. Piorun is characterized by increased resistance to interference and the ability to combat targets with a low thermal signature. It can combat targets such as aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles, or other means of air attack at distances from 400 m to 6.5 km and altitudes from approximately 10 m to 4 km.
The Piorun missiles used in the system have a homing warhead with very high resistance to interference, which also features a proximity sensor. Its operation is adjusted to the specific type of target just before launch, which increases the probability of a hit. Currently, Piorun missiles are used by countries such as Poland, Ukraine (where they are successfully used in combat), Lithuania, Estonia, Latvia, Norway, the USA, Georgia, and, in the future, Slovakia.