The governments of France and Germany announced last week that they are interested in one of the best-selling and widely praised weapons systems in many countries around the world—namely the Polish man-portable air-defense missile system known as Piorun. It now appears that Paris and Berlin want to send part of this equipment to Ukraine, where it could be used to engage helicopters or drones operated by the Russian occupying forces.
In recent days, reports have emerged about growing interest among Europe’s major military powers in the Polish man-portable anti-aircraft missile system Piorun. Germany and France intend to purchase these systems. France wants to do so under the EU’s SAFE programme initiative, which offers low-interest loans for the development of the defense sector worth €43.7 billion.
Notably, some of the ordered systems—especially those purchased by France—are expected to be transferred to Ukraine. It is said that roughly 70% of the procured equipment could go to Kyiv. According to representatives of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, this would be an important element of support in the context of the ongoing conflict with Russia. As Deputy Minister of National Defence Cezary Tomczyk stated at a press conference, Germany has expressed preliminary interest in purchasing Piorun systems.
Prime Minister Donald Tusk confirmed that some of the systems bought by Berlin are to go directly to the Ukrainian Armed Forces, while the remaining ones will strengthen the Bundeswehr in the future. For obvious security reasons, the exact number was not disclosed, but Berlin’s interest is part of a broader surge in demand for Polish weaponry. Piorun has gained international recognition largely thanks to outstanding reviews, including those from Ukrainian soldiers.
France, like Germany, sees Piorun as an effective tool for strengthening air defense—both its own and that of its allies. If the agreements are finalized, Germany and France will join the group of Piorun users, which already includes Belgium, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Moldova, Norway, Sweden, the United States, and Ukraine.
The system is gaining popularity due to its effectiveness, as evidenced by a growing number of contracts. It is worth noting, for example, that Belgium approved the purchase of 40 systems in 2025. Particular emphasis is placed on supporting Ukraine. Since 2022, Kyiv has successfully used Polish Piorun systems in combat operations, shooting down numerous Russian helicopters, aircraft, cruise missiles, and drones.
These systems have proven crucial in fighting low-flying targets such as the Su-34 and Su-25. Planned deliveries from France and Germany are a continuation of that support. France has previously supplied Ukraine with weapons, including air-launched missiles and aircraft, and Piorun systems are now expected to bolster air defense capabilities.
Piorun is an advanced Polish air-defense system developed by a consortium led by Mesko, together with CRW Telesystem-Mesko and the Military University of Technology. It entered service in 2019 as an upgrade of the older Grom system, and has been produced since 2016; by early 2025, some 3,000 units had reportedly been manufactured.
This MANPADS (Man-Portable Air-Defense System) is operated by a single user and weighs 16.5–19.5 kg as a full set (including a 10.5 kg missile). The missile is 1.596 m long and 72 mm in diameter. The 1.82 kg warhead contains an HMX charge with aluminum powder (FRAG-HE fragmentation high-explosive), detonated by either an impact fuze with delay or a proximity fuze. This enables the destruction of targets even during very close passes.
Piorun can engage targets at distances from 400 m to 6.5 km and at altitudes from 10 m to 4 km. The missile’s average speed is 560 m/s, with a maximum of 660 m/s (Mach 2). Guidance is based on a jamming-resistant infrared (IR) system. Reaction time is 5–10 seconds.
Piorun is effective against aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and cruise missiles, as confirmed by combat testing in Ukraine. The system is resistant to adverse weather and easy to operate, making it well-suited for infantry. Purchases by Germany and France are not only an export success, but also a confirmation of the innovativeness of Poland’s defense industry. It is said that the SAFE programme may direct around 80% of its funds to the domestic defense sector, which could accelerate production and the development of further systems of this type.
