Belgium inks deal for advanced Polish anti-aircraft missiles
Belgium is joining the group of users of Polish Piorun anti-aircraft missiles. The signing of the letter of intent concerning this development is complemented by information about the completion of work on a new variant of these Polish weapons. What do we know about the Piorun 2?
The defense ministers of Poland and Belgium, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz and Theo Francken, signed a letter of intent on military cooperation at the MESKO facilities. It includes a declaration regarding Belgium's purchase of 200-300 portable anti-aircraft missile systems known as Piorun.
With this agreement, Belgium joins a growing group of users of Polish weapons. In addition to the Polish army, the PPZR (Portable Anti-Aircraft Missile System) Piorun is in use by the armed forces of Estonia, Georgia, Latvia, Norway, Slovakia, Ukraine, and the United States. There is also a possibility that France will purchase Polish missiles.
The interest in the Polish anti-aircraft missile is due to its proven effectiveness. During the war in Ukraine, Polish Pioruns demonstrated their effectiveness against Russian aircraft and helicopters.
Polish weapon tested in combat
It's worth noting that the predecessor of the Piorun also gained recognition for its effective performance against Russian aircraft. Grom missiles were used by Georgia during the Russian attack in 2008. According to Georgian data, out of 13 properly launched missiles, as many as 9 hit Russian aircraft and helicopters.
Piorun, developed based on the experience gained from the Grom missile, confirmed its effectiveness in Ukraine. Using this missile, they successfully shot down attack helicopters such as the Ka-52, as well as various types of aircraft (Su-25, Su-30, Su-34) and cruise missiles.
New Polish anti-aircraft missile
The development of Polish portable anti-aircraft missiles continues. Following the Grom and Piorun, the Piorun 2 and the Grzmot missile—with a range increased to 7 miles—are set to enter production. Minister Kosiniak-Kamysz referenced Piorun 2 when commenting on the signing of the Polish-Belgian agreement.
The current schedule suggests that serial production of the Piorun 2 missile will begin in 2028. Compared to the current model, the new Piorun is expected to offer a slightly greater range (up to about 4 miles) and a higher flight speed.
An important upgrade will be an improved guidance system, which will be more resistant to interference and allow for the targeting of low thermal signature targets, such as various types of drones.
