Germany and France Interested in Polish Piorun MANPADS, Some May Be Supplied to Ukraine

Amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, European nations are exploring the potential acquisition of Poland’s Piorun man-portable air-defense systems (MANPADS), with some units reportedly slated for deployment to Ukrainian forces. These developments underscore growing Western interest in advanced short-range air defense systems to counter threats posed by drones, helicopters, and low-flying aircraft on the modern battlefield.
Polish Piorun: A Proven Air-Defense Solution
The Piorun, developed by Polish Armaments Group, is an upgraded version of the earlier Grom MANPADS. It features advanced guidance systems, higher agility, and improved targeting sensors capable of tracking low-signature aerial threats. The system is portable, allowing infantry units to carry it in combat zones, and can be deployed quickly to protect front-line positions.
Poland has demonstrated the Piorun in exercises alongside NATO forces, showcasing its efficacy against drones and aircraft operating at low altitudes. The system’s versatility has attracted interest from other European militaries, particularly as hybrid threats and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) become more prevalent in contemporary conflicts.
Germany and France Express Interest
Recent defense briefings indicate that both Germany and France are evaluating the feasibility of acquiring the Piorun to bolster their short-range air defense capabilities. Officials in Berlin and Paris have highlighted the system’s potential to fill gaps in protection against small, agile aerial threats, which traditional air defense platforms sometimes struggle to counter.
A source familiar with the discussions told analysts that while neither country has finalized procurement agreements, both are conducting technical assessments and evaluating production capacity in Poland to meet potential orders. These assessments also include compatibility with existing NATO communications and command systems, as interoperability remains a key factor in multinational operations.
Supplying Piorun Systems to Ukraine
Poland has emerged as a critical supplier of advanced defense equipment to Ukraine, providing various armored vehicles, artillery systems, and short-range air defense weapons. Reports indicate that a limited number of Piorun units may be transferred to Ukrainian forces, enhancing their capability to defend against Russian helicopters, drones, and tactical aircraft operating near contested frontlines.
Ukrainian military officials have welcomed the prospect, noting that portable, high-precision air-defense systems provide front-line troops with flexible options to counter aerial threats in dynamic combat situations. The Piorun’s mobility and modern guidance make it especially suitable for Ukraine’s current battlefield, where small-unit operations and rapidly changing front lines are common.
Strategic Implications
The potential transfer of Piorun systems to Ukraine carries both military and geopolitical implications. It represents continued Western support for Kyiv, signaling NATO countries’ willingness to supply advanced weapons while avoiding direct involvement in combat operations. The provision of such systems could also influence Russian operational planning, compelling Moscow to adjust tactics to mitigate the threat from portable, precision air-defense systems.
For Germany and France, acquiring the Piorun offers the opportunity to modernize their own arsenals quickly. Both nations are undergoing reviews of their air-defense capabilities in light of evolving threats from UAVs, cruise missiles, and low-flying aircraft. European analysts suggest that the adoption of systems like the Piorun could strengthen NATO’s layered air-defense posture in Central and Eastern Europe.
Production and Export Considerations
Polish defense manufacturers have confirmed that production capacity could be scaled to accommodate both domestic needs and foreign orders. However, officials caution that international sales require careful negotiation, particularly regarding delivery timelines, licensing agreements, and training for operators in foreign militaries.
Furthermore, supplying Piorun units to Ukraine involves sensitive coordination with NATO allies to ensure that technology transfer does not compromise security protocols or escalate tensions with Russia. Officials have emphasized that any deliveries will be carefully measured to support Ukraine without crossing thresholds that could provoke broader escalation.
Looking Ahead
As Germany and France continue evaluating the Piorun MANPADS, and as Poland prepares potential shipments to Ukraine, analysts will monitor both operational deployment and geopolitical messaging closely. The move reflects a growing recognition among European countries of the importance of agile, portable air-defense systems in modern conflicts and highlights Poland’s emerging role as a key provider of advanced military technology in the region.
The coming months may reveal further agreements or transfers, potentially altering both NATO’s short-range air-defense posture and Ukraine’s ability to defend critical front-line positions against evolving aerial threats.