The Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence will purchase Polish-made Piorun man-portable air defense systems.

The press service of the country’s defense ministry announced this on Thursday, July 25.

Lithuania, together with Poland and two other European countries, has applied to the European Union for partial funding for the joint purchase of man-portable air defense systems.

The weapon will strengthen the short-range air defense of these countries amid growing security threats in the region.

The Piorun MANPADS will be purchased using the European Union’s financial instrument designed to strengthen the European defense industry through common procurement (EDIRPA).

“We are pleased to be involved in the procurement of Piorun man-portable air-defense systems. Strengthening air defense is one of the most important tasks we set for ourselves. Therefore, the upcoming procurement is as desirable as cooperation with our close ally and neighbor Poland,” said Lithuanian Defense Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas.

The Defense Minister noted that one of Lithuania’s most important tasks is to strengthen its air defense.

A few weeks ago, Poland offered Lithuania to join the purchase of Polish-made Piorun man-portable air-defense systems.

It is worth noting that in May 2023, Lithuania signed an agreement for the purchase of Polish-made Grom MANPADS for more than €20 million.

In early 2024, the Estonian Defense Forces received the first batch of Polish-made Piorun man-portable air defense missile systems, which are being put into service with a separate military unit.

The framework agreement for the purchase of MANPADS was signed in the fall of 2022 between the Estonian Center for Defense Investment (ECDI) and the Polish defense company Mesko.

This is the first joint defense procurement between Estonia and Poland, and it has the advantage of rapid weapon delivery.