In a recent military training exercise, Estonia successfully tested new anti-aircraft missile launchers at the Rutja training ground. These were the PPZR Piorun systems, which were manufactured in Poland and were intended to destroy enemy drones, helicopters, and airplanes.

Testing New Defenses at Rutja

The test results were very clear: all three missiles fired hit their targets. That means the Piorun system had a 100% success rate during the exercise.

These missile launchers are small enough for soldiers to carry on their shoulders. They are known as “very short-range” air defense weapons. This means they are used to shoot down targets that are not very far or very high up. They’re perfect for stopping threats like low-flying drones or helicopters.

Estonia purchased 300 missiles and 100 of these launchers. The delivery of this order began in 2023 and will continue until 2025. The recent firing test at Rutja shows that these weapons are not just ready to use—they are very effective. The test was part of regular training to make sure soldiers know how to handle the new system in real situations.

How the Piorun Missile System Works

The Piorun system is made in Poland. Its name means “lightning” in Polish. It was created by a group of military technology experts, using experience from earlier missile systems like the Grom. The Piorun is an upgraded version, designed to work even better and smarter.

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Each launcher is designed to hit targets that are flying as low as 10 meters from the ground or as high as 4 kilometers in the sky. The missiles can travel a distance of 400 meters up to 6.5 kilometers. That range allows soldiers to defend against fast and small threats that could sneak in close, like drones or attack helicopters.

The Piorun’s “smart” head is among its most remarkable features. Before a soldier fires the missile, the system is set to match the type of target it needs to destroy. The missile then guides itself to the target and even has a proximity sensor. This sensor helps it explode at just the right time, even if the missile doesn’t hit the target directly. It’s also very resistant to tricks used by aircraft to avoid being hit, like using flares or electronic jamming.

During the Rutja test, the Piorun missile showed that it could do its job with perfect accuracy. Hitting three out of three targets is a strong signal that the system works well in real conditions.

Boosting Estonia’s Air Defense

The Piorun system is not the only tool Estonia uses to protect its skies. The country also has heavier missile systems like the Mistral 3. These systems are used for targets that are farther away or higher up. By having both light and heavy missile systems, Estonia’s military can respond to different types of air threats.

Adding the Piorun to their collection of air defense tools gives Estonian forces more choices. In case of a sudden air attack, soldiers can quickly decide whether to use the light, shoulder-fired Piorun or the heavier Mistral 3. This flexibility is important in modern defense planning.

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Other countries also use the Piorun missile system, including Poland, Ukraine, Lithuania, Latvia, Norway, the USA, Georgia, and soon Slovakia. These countries trust the Piorun system to help defend against modern air threats, including drones, which are becoming more common in combat zones.

The training in Rutja marks an important moment for Estonia. It shows that their investment in the Piorun system is already paying off. Soldiers were able to use the new system effectively and hit their targets every single time. This kind of success builds trust in the equipment and prepares the troops for real-life situations.

The tests were held quietly and were only part of a larger training plan, but the results spoke loudly. A 100% hit rate shows the system’s quality, the soldiers’ readiness, and the importance of modern air defense. Estonia now has one more strong tool to protect its skies, and it has proven itself under test conditions.