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The Piorun (Polish: "thunderbolt")[2] is a Polish man-portable air-defense system, designed to destroy low-flying aircraft, airplanes, helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles. The set is a deep modernization of the PPZR Grom set, with an alternative designation of Grom-M.
| Piorun | |
|---|---|
 PPZR Piorun missile with launcher | |
| Type | Man-portable air-defense system |
| Place of origin | Poland |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2019–present |
| Used by | See Operators |
| Wars | Russian invasion of Ukraine |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 2010–2015 |
| Manufacturer | Mesko |
| Unit cost | 1.8 million EUR per system [1] |
| Produced | 2016–present |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 16.5 kg (36 lb) total 10.5 kg (23 lb) missile |
| Length | 1.596 m (5.24 ft) |
| Diameter | 72 mm (2.8 in) |
| Crew | 1 |
| Warhead | HMX with aluminium powder |
| Warhead weight | 1.82 kg (4.0 lb) |
Detonation mechanism | impact fuze with a delay mechanism, and a proximity fuze for C-UAS |
| Engine | Solid-fuel rocket motor |
Operational range | 400 m (1,300 ft)–6.5 km (4.0 mi) |
| Flight ceiling | 4 km (13,000 ft) |
| Flight altitude | 10 m (33 ft)–4,000 m (13,000 ft) |
| Maximum speed | 660 m/s (Mach 2.0; 2,400 km/h; 1,500 mph) |
Guidance system | infrared homing with argon-cooled seeker |
Launch platform | MANPADS |
The full name of the system is PPZR Piorun (Polish: Przenośny Przeciwlotniczy Zestaw Rakietowy Piorun).[3]
The Piorun Portable Anti-Aircraft Missile System is produced by the Mesko company and was created as a result of the GROM system modernization carried out in 2010–15. As part of the modernization, the effectiveness of the homing warhead was significantly improved by increasing the sensitivity of detection, which increased the distance at which the missile is able to target and hit the target, increased resistance to interference was obtained, a proximity fuze was used, an access authorization system and the set for fire was adapted for use in night conditions.[4][5][6]
In 2016, the Ministry of National Defence signed a contract for the purchase of 420 launchers (launch mechanisms) and 1,300 rockets for the Armed Forces of the Republic of Poland, planned for 2017–2020 delivery. Due to delays caused by technical problems with the propulsion system, the delivery of rockets and launch devices began in 2019 after successful testing. In 2020, Piorun missiles were fired from Poprad self-propelled anti-aircraft missile systems. The missiles are used not only by Poprad, but also by anti-aircraft missile and artillery system PSR-A Pilica.[4][3]
In 2022, Poland announced the rapid supply of Ukraine with Pioruns during the 2021–2022 prelude to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.[7]
During the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Armed Forces of Ukraine claimed that a number of Russian jet fighters (Su-34, Su-25) and helicopters (Mi-24, Ka-52) were shot down with Piorun missiles.[8][9][10]
Estonia- 100 launchers with 300 missiles ordered in September 2022.[11] Planned full operational capability is by 2024.[12]
Georgia- Undisclosed number ordered in January 2024.[13]
Moldova- Undisclosed number ordered in 2024
Latvia- Undisclosed number ordered by Latvia.[14]
Lithuania- The manufacturer disclosed that Piorun was exported to Lithuania in 2023 (although the country did not officially announce it).[15]
Norway- Undisclosed number ordered in November 2022.[16] Units put into use on 15.08.2024 by Finnmark Land Command. [17]
Poland- At least 1,300 missiles were delivered. Another 3,500 missiles alongside 600 MANPAD launchers ordered.[18]
Slovakia- 36 launchers chosen in October 2023 for 65.8 million EUR.[19] The contract has not been signed yet.[20]
Ukraine- Undisclosed number delivered in 2022.[7][21][22]
United States- Undisclosed number ordered in 2022.[21]
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