“This is the first time that Norway will operate this type of air defence systems, and the Norwegian Armed Forces will therefore receive an important capability that they have previously not had in their inventory. This is also the first time we have signed a major contract with Polish defence industry, reflecting positive developments in Norwegian-Polish defence cooperation,” says Minister of Defence Bjørn Arild Gram (Sp.)
The NDMA will next year deliver several new and upgraded types of air defence systems to the Norwegian Armed Forces to help defend against air threats at various altitudes and ranges. The new Piorun MANPADS will cover the lowest level, being able to fire heat-seeking missiles at drones, helicopters, and aircraft from ground level up to altitudes of 4,000 metres.
“Piorun will supplement the Army’s new tactical air defences and the Air Force’s NASAMS and F-35 combat aircraft. Along with other capabilities in the Norwegian Armed Forces, Piorun will serve as a deterrent to any future opponent who will now have to deal with a wide range of defensive systems. We therefore consider this an important addition to our overall capabilities,” says Gro Jære, Director General of the NDMA.
Work on the MANPADS-procurement started in the autumn of 2021 and has since then gone through two rounds of tenders and months of close dialogue and subsequent negotiations with the relevant suppliers.
“We received very good offers from several suppliers but decided that Piorun offers the best combination of in terms of time, performance and cost. It can be delivered relatively quickly, it meets the requirements for function and performance, and it also delivers well in terms of cost,” says Brigadier General Jarle Nergård, Chief of Air Systems at the NDMA.
