The Piorun, developed by Mesko, a subsidiary of Polish state-owned defence group PGZ (Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa), is a highly effective man portable air defence system (MANPADS) designed to target aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, and winged rockets.
Equipped with a proximity sensor fuse for close-passing targets and enhanced with a modernized launcher featuring additional day and thermal vision sights, Piorun allows for effective operation in various conditions, including at night.
This upcoming agreement represents the second contract for this weapon between the Polish defence industry and the US, following an initial agreement for an undisclosed number of Piorun systems signed in late 2021.
The Piorun system, currently in service with the Polish Armed Forces, has attracted global attention, leading to contracts with multiple countries, such as Estonia, Norway, Latvia, and Moldova.
Poland has also donated Piorun systems to Ukraine as part of its military support.
