New Generation of Polish Piorun MANPADS On Show at MSPO 2024.

The MSPO 2024 exhibition, held in Kielce, Poland, was the stage for the presentation of the Piorun NG (New Generation), a modernized and enhanced version of the famous Polish portable air defense system (MANPADS). Manufactured by PGZ, the Piorun NG attracted the attention of international military experts due to its advanced capabilities and proven effectiveness on the battlefield, particularly in the context of the conflict in Ukraine.
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The Piorun NG is designed to destroy aircraft, helicopters, drones (UAVs), and cruise missiles. (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The Piorun NG is designed to destroy aircraft, helicopters, drones (UAVs), and cruise missiles. One of the notable features of this system is its proximity fuse, which allows it to destroy targets even when passing in close proximity, thereby increasing the likelihood of neutralizing the threat. This functionality is particularly useful against fast and maneuverable targets.

One of the major improvements of the Piorun NG compared to its predecessor is the integration of an additional day sight and a thermal sight. This combination enables operators to deploy the system effectively, even in nighttime or low-visibility conditions, thus increasing its versatility on the battlefield. The launcher has also been equipped with a new firing mechanism, capable of selecting the firing mode based on the type of target and weather conditions while integrating friend-or-foe identification and communication with optical and thermal sighting systems.

In terms of performance, the Piorun NG has a range of 400 to 6500 meters in distance and can engage targets at altitudes between 10 and 4000 meters. The missile, which flies at an average speed of 560 m/s, is equipped with a highly explosive fragmentation warhead (FRAG-HE), making it formidable against aerial threats.

The Piorun NG is not only a system in production but also in service with the Polish Armed Forces and has been exported to several countries. The system's performance in Ukraine has strengthened its reputation, where it has been widely used to shoot down various enemy aircraft, including helicopters and fighter jets.

The presentation of the Piorun NG at MSPO 2024 underscores Poland's ongoing commitment to modernizing its defense capabilities and addressing the growing needs of its armed forces and international partners, as well as Poland's desire to maintain local production of its weaponry. This system represents an advancement in MANPADS technology, combining technical innovations with proven operational experience, making it a preferred choice for armed forces seeking to enhance their air defense capabilities.