Lithuania and Poland have announced their intention to jointly acquire the Piorun short-range man-portable air defense system (MANPADS) to enhance their air defense capabilities. This purchase will be partially funded through the European Defence Industry Reinforcement through the Common Procurement Act (EDIRPA), with both countries and two other European nations seeking support from the European Union.
The Lithuanian Minister of National Defence, Laurynas Kasčiūnas, expressed his satisfaction with this collaboration, highlighting the crucial importance of strengthening air defenses. “Strengthening air defence is one of the most critical objectives on our agenda, therefore the purchase is welcome as much as collaboration with our close Ally Poland,” Kasčiūnas stated during a press briefing. The cooperation was formalized during a visit to Vilnius by the Polish Minister of National Defence, Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz.
Currently, Lithuania uses an older version of the Polish-made Grom air defense system. These older systems will be transferred to Ukraine, necessitating their replacement with the more advanced Piorun systems. Kasčiūnas noted that the Piorun systems align well with Lithuania’s defence planning, making them suitable for the national military division, national volunteer forces, and the protection of critical infrastructure.
This joint acquisition project underscores the growing cooperation between Lithuania and Poland in defense matters, reflecting their shared concerns about regional security and the need to bolster air defence capabilities in response to potential threats.
The Piorun system, also known as “Thunderbolt,” is designed to destroy drones, helicopters, aircraft, and winged missiles. It can reach targets at an altitude of up to 4 kilometers and has a maximum range of 6.5 kilometers, according to data from the manufacturer, the Polish Armaments Group. This modernization of air defense capabilities is particularly relevant in the context of increasing tensions in Eastern Europe and ongoing concerns about Russian aggression beyond Ukraine.