Norwegian Armed Forces Conduct First Firings of Piorun MANPADS.

The Norwegian Armed Forces have conducted their first firings using the Piorun man-portable air-defense systems, which were ordered in November 2022 from Mesko, a company that is part of the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ). This significant event took place on Friday, August 16, 2024, when the Jegerbataljonen rifle battalion of the Norwegian Army carried out the firings from the Høybuktmoen garrison in Sør-Varanger, Finnmark. Representatives from Mesko were also present during the event.
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The Norwegian Army's first live-fire test with the new MANPADS enhances our defence against drones and helicopters (Picture source: Forsvaret)

The new air defense unit, called BLV (Med bærbart luftvern), was responsible for conducting the firings. This unit is part of a broader plan to establish similar units within other tactical formations of the Norwegian Army, which will also be equipped with Piorun MANPADS.

According to Colonel Jørn Qviller, head of the Finnmark Land Defense, these systems are intended to enhance the operational capabilities of the Jegerbataljonen, allowing them to operate more effectively and pose a greater threat to any potential adversaries targeting Norway. He also noted that the deployment of the Piorun systems would gradually extend to other units within the Finnmark Land Defense and the Finnmark Brigade, with the possibility of further expansion within the Army.

The Piorun systems are designed to form the first layer of a comprehensive air defense system being constructed in the Finnmark region. This system will eventually include a range of air defense capabilities, from very short-range to long-range systems.

Qviller explained that this layered approach would create a robust defense that adversaries would need to consider, potentially forcing them to alter their tactics, such as flying at higher altitudes or avoiding certain areas altogether.

The Piorun systems are designed to form the first layer of a comprehensive air defense system being constructed in the Finnmark region (Picture source: Forsvaret)

During the week, the new BLV unit conducted live missile tests of the Piorun system at the Porsangmoen and Halkavarre shooting and training ranges in central Finnmark. According to Qviller, the presence of these portable air defense systems means that enemy forces will no longer have the freedom to fly helicopters and drones into Norwegian territory without facing a significant threat.

The contract for the Piorun systems was signed on November 29, 2022, in Oslo, with Mesko agreeing to deliver several hundred missiles and launch sets to the Norwegian Armed Forces. The first deliveries began in December 2023. In addition to Norway, Mesko has also exported the Piorun systems to other countries, including Estonia, Slovakia, Latvia, Georgia, and one of the Balkan states. The United States has also purchased these systems, which have been provided to Ukraine as military aid during its conflict with Russia.

Furthermore, on July 25, 2024, the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense announced a joint purchase of Piorun systems with Poland, Latvia, and Norway. This purchase has been submitted for partial funding under the European Defense Industry Reinforcement through Common Procurement Act (EDIRPA), with Poland having submitted three PGZ products, including the Piorun system, for consideration.