Estonia acquires Polish Piorun air defense systems.

Estonia has acquired Polish PPZR Piorun anti-aircraft systems, enhancing its short-range air defense capabilities. The Estonian Defense Investments Center (RKIK) has officially transferred these systems to the Estonian Defense Forces (EDF). Valued at 103 million euros, this contract marks an improvement in Estonia's military defense.
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The PPZR Piorun is a man-portable air defense system originating from Poland (Picture source: RKIK)

RKIK highlights the ease of integration and operation of the Piorun systems, stating that personnel can use them effectively after minimal training. The systems will be deployed in a dedicated wartime unit under the Estonian Division, composed of reserve-trained personnel.

Lieutenant Colonel Talen Lelov from the Estonian Division's air defense branch emphasized the versatility of the system, stating that it can protect both front-line areas and critical infrastructure further from the front. He also mentioned that the effectiveness demonstrated in Ukraine will guide the training of Estonian operators and the strategic deployment of these systems.

The PPZR Piorun is a man-portable air-defense system originating from Poland. In service since 2019, it was particularly noted during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine. The development of the Piorun took place between 2010 and 2015, and it is manufactured by the company Mesko.

The Piorun system is characterized by its weight and dimensions: the set, consisting of the launcher and the missile, weighs 16.5 kg, while the missile alone weighs 10.5 kg. The missile is 1.596 meters long and has a diameter of 72 mm. Designed for single-person operation, the Piorun is equipped with a warhead containing HMX with aluminum powder, weighing 1.82 kg.

The missile's detonation mechanism combines an impact fuse with a delay mechanism, as well as a proximity fuse for counter-UAS (Unmanned Aerial Systems) measures. The engine is a solid-fuel rocket motor, allowing the missile to reach a maximum speed of 660 m/s (Mach 2.0), with an operational range of 400 meters to 6.5 kilometers. The missile's flight ceiling is 4 kilometers, and it can operate at altitudes ranging from 10 to 4,000 meters.

The Piorun's guidance system is based on infrared homing with an argon-cooled seeker. This system allows for precise detection and tracking of aerial targets. The Piorun is launched from a MANPADS (Man-Portable Air-Defense System) platform, making it particularly suitable for use by infantry units and for defending strategic points against low and medium-altitude air threats.

This contract represents the first collaborative defense project between Poland and Estonia. The decision to select the Polish systems was influenced by their rapid delivery, cost-effectiveness, and technical compatibility with existing infrastructure.

The agreement for these systems was signed with the Polish defense contractor Mesko in late 2022, with deliveries starting around the New Year. Ramil Lipp, head of RKIK's weaponry category, praised Mesko's commitment to fulfilling their contract promptly despite the challenging global security situation and supply constraints.