Sweden has reached a significant agreement with Polish defense manufacturer Mesko to procure Piorun portable anti-aircraft missile systems, a move that underscores the nation’s commitment to bolstering its military capabilities. The contract, valued at approximately 3 billion kronor (around $320 million), includes provisions for deliveries that are expected to commence in 2027.
This deal comes after extensive negotiations, following a letter of intent signed in March 2025 and a preliminary order finalized in June. The acquisition of the Piorun systems is intended to enhance Sweden’s very short-range air defense capabilities, playing a critical role in the ongoing modernization of the Swedish Armed Forces.
Earlier in June, Sweden also announced plans to procure the IRIS-T SLM medium-range air defense system from Germany, amounting to 9 billion kronor (around $930 million). These moves form part of Sweden’s broader strategy to increase its defense spending significantly. Over the next decade, the country aims to invest approximately 300 billion kronor (about $32 billion), raising defense expenditures to 3.5 percent of its GDP by 2030 from the current 2.4 percent.
Renata GruszczyÅ„ska, President of the Management Board of Mesko, highlighted the significance of the Piorun system, stating, “Piorun is an example of a product that combines innovation, reliability, and experience gained from real-world battlefields.” She further emphasized that the agreement marks a pivotal moment for the company, indicating its growth within the Polish Armaments Group and contributing to the security of allied nations.
The Piorun anti-aircraft missile system, developed entirely in Poland, benefits from continuous updates driven by user feedback. It features a proximity fuze that can effectively neutralize targets passing nearby, making it effective against a variety of aerial threats including aircraft, helicopters, drones, and cruise missiles. Additionally, the launcher is equipped with both a day sight and thermal vision capabilities for night operations.
Weighing in at 19.5 kilograms (43 pounds), the Piorun system has an operational range extending up to 6,500 meters (21,325 feet) and can engage targets at altitudes of up to 4,000 meters (13,123 feet). Sweden’s acquisition of the Piorun follows similar orders from other nations, including the United States, Belgium, Norway, and Estonia. The system has been operational with Polish armed forces since 2019 and was notably supplied in large quantities to Ukraine amid ongoing conflicts in 2022.
