CaliToday (21/9/2025): Sweden has signed a significant contract to procure the Polish-made Piorun man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS), a move that will substantially expand its short-range air defense arsenal with a combat-proven weapon.
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| File photo by Davide Dalla Massara |
The deal was officially announced by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) in a statement on September 9.
According to the FMV, the agreement was finalized in July and is valued at approximately 3 billion Swedish kronor (around €270 million). The delivery of the systems is scheduled to begin in the first quarter of 2026 and will be completed by 2027. While the exact number of units ordered was not disclosed, the deal represents a major acquisition for the Swedish armed forces.
The systems will be supplied by Mesko, a subsidiary of the Polish state-owned defense conglomerate PGZ. The contract follows a letter of intent signed between the FMV and the manufacturer in March 2025, signaling Sweden's strong interest in the system.
The Piorun: A Battle-Proven "Thunderbolt"
Piorun, which means "Thunderbolt" in Polish, is an advanced evolution of the Grom MANPADS, which first entered service with the Polish Armed Forces in 1995. Development of the Piorun began in 2010 with the goal of enhancing seeker performance, warhead effectiveness, and overall range. The system also features upgraded software and improved resistance to electronic countermeasures.
Weighing 18.5 kg (40.8 lbs), the Piorun is designed to destroy low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) at altitudes ranging from 10 to 4,000 meters, with a maximum engagement range of 6,500 meters.
A Growing Roster of NATO Users
Sweden's order follows a series of acquisitions by other NATO members and partner nations, underscoring the system's growing reputation.
All three Baltic states have purchased the Piorun system. The United States has also acquired a limited number for testing purposes, while Norway received its first batch in December 2023.
Crucially, the system has been extensively battle-proven in Ukraine, where units supplied by Poland as part of its military aid have been used effectively against Russian aerial threats. Georgia also joined the list of operators earlier this year.
In its statement, the FMV described the new procurement as part of Sweden's broader effort to strengthen its national defense and respond to evolving security challenges by integrating modern and combat-tested systems.
The order from Sweden further solidifies the international footprint of Mesko and its parent company PGZ, as the Piorun system is now deployed across Eastern Europe and tested by multiple NATO members. The deal highlights the increasing demand for reliable and mobile air defense systems amid the changing threat environment across the European continent.
