Belgium signs LoI with Poland on strengthening air and space capabilities and Piorun MANPADS co-operation
Belgium and Poland signed an LoI on 12 May covering co-operation on strengthening air and space capabilities on MANPADS, with Belgium planning to buy 200–300 Piorun systems. (Belgian MoD/Gert-Jan D'haene)
Minister of Defence of Belgium Theo Francken and his Polish counterpart Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz signed a letter of intent (LoI) on 12 May at Polish company Mesko in Skarżysko-Kamienna, covering co-operation between their two countries on strengthening air and space capabilities on manportable air-defence systems (MANPADSs).
The Belgian Ministry of Defence (MoD) said on its website on 12 May that Belgium plans to buy 200–300 Piorun MANPADSs. As the system is developed and produced in Europe by the Polish defence industry, it is completely in line with the aim to strengthen the European defence industry, according to the Belgian MoD. Kosiniak-Kamysz noted that Pioruns have proven themselves in Ukraine, claiming 100% effectiveness.
In addition to MANPADS, the LoI covers co-operation on strengthening aerial capabilities through consultations on unpiloted vehicles and joint training with Polish F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) pilots, as well as by making materiel available. Kosiniak-Kamysz noted that Poland and Belgium are procuring the same model of the F-35 and that the first Polish pilots were training on the aircraft in the US, as will their Belgian counterparts.
The Belgian MoD expected this partnership to reinforce the two countries' capabilities and defensive posture. Noting that Poland spends more than 4% of its GDP on defence, Francken said, “By reinforcing our co-operation with Warsaw, we will be able to develop our capabilities and preparedness levels more quickly.”
His ministry added that the co-operation reflects a shared desire to harmonise military equipment and systems across Europe, demonstrating that it is taking responsibility for defence, while NATO remains the cornerstone of its collective defence.
Go beyond the headlines - with direct links to interconnected entities
Get full access to validated equipment, military capabilities, and market insights.
