Belgium Special Ops Regiment Receives First Polish-made Piorun MANPAD System

Belgium’s Special Operations Regiment has taken delivery of its first Polish-made Piorun man-portable air defence system.

The handover took place on December 23, in Heverlee. The portable and mobile Piorun system is intended for use by small units and is designed to counter drones, attack helicopters, and low-flying aircraft. Belgian Defence Minister Theo Francken presented an initial training module to regiment operators.

The delivery follows a declaration of intent signed by Belgium and Poland in May 2025 to deepen military cooperation. Under the agreement, Belgium is acquiring 40 Piorun systems and associated missiles, alongside joint training and knowledge-sharing on man-portable air defence systems.

Belgium’s defense ministry said the first systems have now been delivered from Poland and will enter an intensive training and integration phase.

Belgian forces also operate the Saab Giraffe 1X mobile radar to provide early warning and a clearer aerial picture.

Based on radar inputs, intervention teams can respond using portable anti-drone systems, including DroneShield Immediate Response Kits. If required, drones can also be physically neutralized using a specially adapted SX4 shotgun.