On Tuesday, September 9, 2025, the opening day of the DSEI 2025 defense and security exhibition (Defense & Security Equipment International) at the ExCeL center in London, a contract worth approximately 3 billion SEK (1.16 billion PLN) was signed between Mesko, a company within the Polish Armaments Group (PGZ), and the Defence Materiel Administration FMV (Försvarets materielverk) of the Ministry of Defense of the Kingdom of Sweden for the delivery of Piorun man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS).
Photo: Mesko
Sweden’s interest in the Piorun system was expressed in March 2025 in a Letter of Intent (LoI). In the following months, negotiations were conducted, leading to the submission of a preliminary order in June. The final agreement was signed in September during the DSEI exhibition in London. Deliveries are scheduled for 2027.
Contribution to regional security
The Piorun systems will strengthen Sweden’s very-short-range air-defense capabilities as part of the nation’s ongoing armed-forces modernization process. Stockholm’s decision shows that Polish solutions are valued not only in the region, but worldwide—also by NATO countries. Sweden joined the Alliance in 2024.
“Piorun is an example of a product that combines innovation, reliability, and experience gained on the real battlefield,” said Renata Gruszczyńska, President of Mesko. “It is the result of the work of engineering teams and specialists who have been building Mesko’s position on the international market for years. Today’s agreement confirms that the company is developing effectively as part of the Polish Armaments Group and is making a real contribution to the security of allied nations. It is also an important testament to the effectiveness of Mesko’s current management and the result of support from the Government of the Republic of Poland for the development of the national defense industry,” she added.
A proven product, developed in Poland
Piorun was developed entirely in Poland and is systematically modernized in cooperation with its users. The system has proven itself in real combat operations, including in Ukraine. It is characterized by high precision, resistance to countermeasures, and the ability to engage a wide spectrum of targets—from aircraft and helicopters to drones and cruise missiles.
An important step for the Polish defense industry
The agreement with Sweden is further evidence of the growing position of Mesko and the Polish Armaments Group on the European market. It also confirms that Poland is a reliable and respected partner in the field of security and defense. The contract aligns with broader government efforts aimed at strengthening the role of the national defense industry within the security systems of allied states.
“In a short time, we have acquired a weapon system that is new to our Armed Forces and will significantly strengthen the air-defense capabilities of our units,” said Christer Mellgren, Project Manager at FMV.
Currently, Piorun strengthens the defense capabilities not only of the Polish Armed Forces but also of the United States, Norway, Estonia, Latvia, Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia. Belgium will be the next user; Slovakia is expected to sign a purchase agreement soon; and according to media reports, Piorun will be part of the Israeli SPYDER system recently ordered by Romania. Armed forces from around the world have expressed interest in Mesko’s man-portable air-defense systems, including France and a Balkan state, and the system was recently demonstrated in Thailand.
Piorun MANPADS
Piorun man-portable air-defense systems are designed to engage low-flying aerial targets such as aircraft, helicopters, and drones. In the Polish Armed Forces, they are used in the lowest layer of the air-defense system, at short ranges and low altitudes (VSHORAD).
Piorun is a modernized version of the Grom MANPADS, which also remains in Polish service. The upgrade introduced a redesigned launch mechanism, a new higher-sensitivity seeker, and an optoelectronic sight mounted on a dedicated rail. As a result, target-acquisition capability, resistance to countermeasures, and engagement range have increased—to 5,500–6,500 meters at altitudes from 10 to 4,000 meters.
The changes also included the introduction of a proximity fuze (in addition to the existing impact fuze) and a directional warhead, increasing effectiveness against small-sized targets such as unmanned aerial vehicles. Additionally, a user-authorization system and the ability to operate at night were introduced.
#meskosa #GrupaPGZ #kontrakt #PPZRPIORUN #sukceshttps://t.co/nisOY9JKkL pic.twitter.com/ypLR0fUyGH
— MESKO S.A. (@PGZ_MESKO_SA) September 9, 2025
⚡️ #PIORUN dla Szwecji! ⚡️
🇵🇱🤝🇸🇪 Podczas trwających targów obronnych #DSEI w Londynie została podpisana umowa między @PGZ_MESKO_SA a Szwedzką Agencją Zamówień Obronnych na dostawy PPZR PIORUN.
ℹ️ Wartość kontraktu: 3 mld koron szwedzkich. Dostawy przewidziane są na 2027 r. pic.twitter.com/AyPhsbywFy
— Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa🇵🇱 (@PGZ_pl) September 9, 2025