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The Norwegian army recently tested the Piorun man-portable air defense system, originally purchased from Poland, as reported by Norway’s Ministry of Defense on X [formerly Twitter]. These tests, conducted last Thursday, August 15, took place for the first time at the Halkavarre training ground in the Porsangmoen camp.
According to Jørn Kviler, Executive Director of Finnmark Land Command [Finnmark Landforsvar], the tests were a success, though not flawless. “It went pretty well. We didn’t hit 100 percent with all the missiles, but it gave us good experience in shooting and combat techniques. It gave us very positive responses,” he shared. Kviler noted it’s “incredibly good” that they were able to conduct tests in Porsanger.
The system, which is valued at approximately NOK 350 million [around US$33 million], arrived in Norway earlier this year. The Norwegian military highlighted its user-friendly nature, describing it as a basic shoulder-fired anti-aircraft system. “It’s a missile that’s launched, aimed at a target, and then most of the technology is in the missile,” they explained. The Piorun missile homes in on heat signatures and utilizes a target seeker, effectively taking over after the gunner fires.
According to Mesko, the Piorun MANPADS is specifically built to destroy aircraft, helicopters, UAVs, and winged rockets. This missile features a fuse equipped with a proximity sensor, enabling it to eliminate targets upon close approach.
The upgraded launcher boasts an additional day sight and a thermal vision sight, making it highly effective for use in both daylight and nighttime conditions.
The missile set includes a new starting mechanism that caters to various operational needs, such as pursuit-collision mode selection, target type, weather conditions, and more. It performs Friend or Foe inquiries, communicates with optical and thermal imaging sights, and can be equipped with an authorization system.
Developed from the Soviet Igla man-portable air defense system, the Piorun made its debut in 2019. Poland has since donated these weapons to Ukraine, which utilizes them daily in its defense against Russia.
“We are receiving extremely promising feedback from operations in Ukraine. The Piorun has demonstrated a high hit rate and is effective against helicopters, slow-moving aircraft, and larger drones,” sources in Norway comment.
In March 2022, Ukrainian forces made headlines by successfully shooting down a Russian Mi-24 Hind attack helicopter using the Piorun MANPADS. The Mi-24, noted for its robust armor and formidable firepower, was a significant target, underscoring the Piorun system’s effectiveness.
A month later, in April 2022, Ukrainian forces scored another significant victory by downing a Russian Ka-52 Alligator attack helicopter. With its advanced avionics and weaponry, the Ka-52 was a substantial threat, making its neutralization a remarkable achievement for Ukraine.
Throughout the summer of 2022, reports surfaced of Ukrainian forces frequently using the Piorun MANPADS to target and destroy Mi-8 Hip transport helicopters. These helicopters, often used for troop transport and logistical support, were critical to Russian operations, and their downing represented a strategic blow.
Ukrainian forces continued their effective use of the Piorun MANPADS into the fall of 2022. Notably, in September, a Russian Mi-28 Havoc attack helicopter was reportedly shot down. The Mi-28, built for anti-armor and ground attack missions, was another high-value target taken out by Ukrainian forces.
As of 2023, the Piorun MANPADS has continued to play a pivotal role in the Ukrainian armed forces. Early in the year, reports highlighted the successful downing of additional Mi-24 and Ka-52 helicopters, underscoring the Piorun system’s effectiveness in neutralizing Russian aerial threats.
The phased rollout of Piorun marks a significant step towards enhancing air defense within Norway’s land forces. “We will gradually increase our FLF units, with heavier air defense measures to follow. In a few years, we anticipate having a complete anti-aircraft battery,” Norwegian officials stated. In the long term, the plan includes extending the Piorun system to other military departments.
BULGARIAN MILITARY