France to Bolster Air Defense with Polish Piorun Systems
France is reportedly moving forward with plans to acquire Polish-made Piorun man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS). The acquisition is intended to equip its own armed forces, with a significant portion also earmarked for transfer to Ukraine as military assistance. This strategic procurement is being facilitated under the new European defense credit program, SAFE.
According to preliminary plans, approximately 70% of the purchased Piorun systems will be integrated into the French army's arsenal, while the remaining 30% will be directed to Ukraine to enhance its defensive capabilities against aerial threats. The total volume of the SAFE credit line allocated to France for such defense procurements stands at 16.2 billion euros.
Strategic Rationale Behind the Acquisition
The decision by Paris to opt for the Piorun system, despite possessing its own domestic Mistral MANPADS, underscores the Polish system's recognized advantages. Reports indicate that France is particularly interested in the Piorun's compactness and high efficiency, attributes that have been proven in real combat conditions in Ukraine.
While the French Mistral MANPADS offers similar engagement characteristics, it is considered significantly more cumbersome and typically requires a special launcher or platform. In contrast, the Piorun provides greater operational flexibility, being easily transportable and operable by a single soldier. This makes it an invaluable asset for mobile fire groups tasked with countering helicopters and low-flying drones.
Piorun MANPADS: Capabilities and Manufacturer
The Piorun (Thunderbolt) MANPADS is a product of Mesko S.A., a company within the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ). It represents a deep modernization of the earlier GROM MANPADS system, designed to effectively destroy low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Key specifications of the Piorun system include:
- Operational Range: 400 meters to 6.5 kilometers
- Altitude Coverage: 10 meters to 4 kilometers
- Maximum Speed: Up to 660 meters per second (Mach 2.0)
- Weight: Approximately 16.5 kilograms (total system), with the missile weighing 10.5 kilograms
- Guidance System: Advanced infrared homing with enhanced resistance to electronic countermeasures
- Warhead: High-explosive fragmentation with a proximity fuze for increased effectiveness against small aerial targets
The system is capable of operating in all weather conditions, day and night, and has gained international recognition for its reliability and precision, particularly through its combat deployment in Ukraine. Mesko has demonstrated robust production capabilities, having recently produced its 3,000th Piorun unit and maintaining an annual production rate of approximately 1,300 missiles.
Implications for European Security and Ukrainian Defense
This acquisition highlights a growing trend of intra-European defense cooperation and the increasing demand for proven, effective air defense solutions. The transfer of Piorun systems to Ukraine will provide crucial support to its ongoing defense efforts, particularly against low-flying threats such as drones and cruise missiles. The Piorun is already in service with several nations, including Poland, Ukraine, Norway, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, the United States, Georgia, and Moldova, further solidifying its role as a significant asset in modern air defense.
0 Comments