Norwegian Armed Forces test new air defence system Piorun for the first time (video)

The Norwegian Armed Forces have successfully demonstrated the live-fire capability of their new Piorun man-portable air defence system.

Here's What We Know

During the test, soldiers from Norway's newly created BLV air defence unit launched a Piorun missile into the sky. Although specific details about the target used during the test and the missile's characteristics were not disclosed, the Norwegian military expressed confidence in the system's capabilities.

The Piorun air defence system improves Norway's tiered air defence strategy, particularly in countering low-altitude enemy targets.

The system is an important addition to Norway's defence capabilities, as it forms the first line of defence, forcing potential adversaries to adjust their tactics or completely reconsider the possibility of penetrating Norwegian airspace.

Colonel Jørn Quiller, Commander of the Finnmark Area Ground Defence, emphasised the strategic advantage of Piorun: "For the enemy, it means they have to cope with this threat. They have to fly higher, they have to fly around the flanks, or maybe they don't dare to fly at all."

The Piorun is designed to be easy to use, allowing a single soldier to operate it easily. Its "fire and forget" function minimises the risk of return fire, making it a powerful tool for the Norwegian army. The system is capable of engaging targets at a distance of up to 6.5 kilometres and at an altitude of up to 4 kilometres.

Source: Defence Industry Europe