Missile Piorun

The PPZR Piorun (Polish: Przenośny Przeciwlotniczy Zestaw Rakietowy Piorun, "thunderbolt") is a Polish man-portable air-defence system intended for engagement of low-flying aircraft, helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles. It is a deep modernization of the earlier Grom system and is also designated Grom-M.

Development was carried out between 2010 and 2015 as an upgrade programme of the Grom. In 2016 the Polish Ministry of National Defence contracted 420 launch mechanisms and 1,300 missiles for delivery in 2017–2020. Technical problems with the propulsion system delayed the programme, and deliveries began in 2019 following completion of testing.

The modernization work concentrated on the seeker, whose detection sensitivity was increased, extending the range at which the missile can acquire and engage a target. Resistance to infrared countermeasures was improved and a proximity fuze was introduced, permitting engagement of small targets such as UAVs without a direct hit. The launch unit incorporates an access authorization system preventing unauthorized firing, and the set was adapted for use at night.

Beyond the shoulder-launched configuration, Piorun missiles are employed on vehicle-mounted platforms. Firings from the Poprad self-propelled anti-aircraft missile system were conducted in 2020, and the missile is also integrated with the PSR-A Pilica anti-aircraft missile and artillery system.

Poland is the principal operator, having received at least 1,300 missiles, with a further 3,500 missiles and 600 launchers on order. Poland transferred an undisclosed number of systems to Ukraine in 2022, with the first supplies announced during the period preceding the Russian invasion. Estonia ordered 100 launchers and 300 missiles in September 2022, with full operational capability planned for 2024. Norway ordered an undisclosed quantity in November 2022; systems were delivered across 2023 and 2024 and entered use with the Finnmark Land Command on 15 August 2024. Latvia ordered in 2023 and received 96 systems during 2023 and 2024. Exports to Lithuania took place in 2023. Georgia ordered in January 2024, Sweden in September 2025 with delivery in December of that year, and Belgium selected the system in May 2025. Moldova is to receive 44 units in 2026. The United States ordered an undisclosed number in 2022. In August 2026 Poland, Norway, Latvia and Lithuania placed a joint order under a framework agreement valued at €1.86 billion, with deliveries running to 2030; the Norwegian share comprises 150 systems.

Slovakia selected 36 launchers in October 2023 at a value of €65.8 million, though the contract remains unsigned. France and Germany have expressed interest in acquisition, with part of any French purchase intended for onward transfer to Ukraine.

During the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the Armed Forces of Ukraine claimed the destruction of Russian Su-34 and Su-25 combat aircraft and Mi-24 and Ka-52 helicopters using Piorun missiles.