Lithuania and Poland to Jointly Acquire Piorun Air Defence Systems.

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.

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Lithuania and Poland have announced their intention to jointly acquire the Piorun short-range man-portable air defense system. (Picture source: Lithuanian MoD)

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.

Furthermore, Lithuania plans to use these new systems to establish a national division within the Lithuanian military, strengthen national volunteer forces, and ensure better protection of critical infrastructure. Cooperation with Poland, a key NATO ally, is seen as a strategic step to enhance regional defense resilience.

The joint defense initiative between Lithuania and Poland also aligns with a broader trend in Europe, where several countries are seeking to strengthen their collective defense through joint acquisitions and industrial collaborations. This approach not only allows for cost-sharing but also enhances interoperability between the armed forces of different countries, a crucial aspect for the collective security of the European Union​​.

Finally, the decision to transfer the older Grom systems to Ukraine is part of a broader support framework for Ukraine's defense capabilities, a country on the front line of tensions with Russia. This support is essential to help Ukraine maintain its sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of ongoing aggression​​.

In summary, this joint acquisition of Piorun air defense systems by Lithuania and Poland represents a significant step forward in strengthening the air defense capabilities of these two countries, while enhancing their defense collaboration and contributing to regional security in Eastern Europe.