View source for PZR Grom

{{Short description|Polish man-portable air-defense system}}
{{About|the Polish SAM|the Soviet air-to-surface missile|Kh-23|other missles|Grom (disambiguation)}}
{{Infobox weapon
| name               = Grom
| image              = PZR-Grom-02.jpg
| image_size         = 300
| caption            = Grom missile with launcher
| origin             = Poland
| type               = [[Man-portable air-defense system]]
<!-- Type selection -->| is_missile         = yes
| is_UK              = <!-- Service history -->
| service            = 1995–present
| used_by            = See [[#Operators|Operators]]
| wars               = [[Second Chechen War]]<br />[[Russo-Georgian War]]<br />[[War in Donbas]]
<!-- Production history -->| designer           = [[Military Institute of Armament Technology]], WAT [[Military University of Technology]], Skarżysko Rocket Design Bureau
| design_date        = 
| manufacturer       = [[Mesko]], [[Skarżysko-Kamienna]]
| unit_cost          = 
| production_date    = 1995–present
| number             = 
| variants           = <!-- General specifications -->
| spec_label         = 
| weight             = {{convert |16.5|kg|lb|}}, and for missile only {{convert|10.5|kg|lb}}
| length             = 
| part_length        = 
| width              = 
| height             = 
| diameter           = {{convert|72|mm|in}}
<!-- Explosive specifications -->| filling            = 
| filling_weight     = {{convert|1.27|kg|lb}}
| detonation         = contact
| yield              = <!-- Vehicle/missile specifications -->
| primary_armament   = 
| secondary_armament = 
| engine             = solid fuel rocket
| engine_power       = 
| pw_ratio           = 
| transmission       = 
| payload_capacity   = 
| wingspan           = 
| propellant         = 
| fuel_capacity      = 
| vehicle_range      = {{convert|5.5|km|mi}}
| ceiling            = 
| altitude           = {{convert|3.5|km|ft}}
| depth              = 
| boost              = 
| speed              = {{convert|650| m/s|ft/s}}
| guidance           = [[infrared homing|infrared]]
| steering           = 
| accuracy           = 
| launch_platform    = [[MANPADS]]
| transport          = 
}}

'''PZR ''Grom''''' (Grom, meaning "thunder" in [[Polish language|Polish]]) is a [[man-portable air-defense system]] produced in Poland and based on the Soviet man-portable infrared homing surface-to-air missile (SAM) [[9K38 Igla]]. It consists of a 72&nbsp;mm [[Surface-to-air missile|anti-aircraft missile]] set with a flight speed of 650 [[metre per second|m/s]], as well as a single-use launcher, re-usable [[Stock (firearm)|gripstock]] and thermal battery coolant assembly electric unit. The full name of the system is '''Przeciwlotniczy Zestaw Rakietowy ''Grom''''' (literally, anti-air rocket-propelled set).

It is designed to target low-flying helicopters and aeroplanes. As such, the Grom missile is used by other surface-to-air defence systems of Polish design, including [[ZSU-23-4MP Biała]], [[ZU-23-2|ZUR-23-2&nbsp;kg]] and [[Poprad (self-propelled anti-aircraft missile system)|Poprad]] self-propelled artillery system. It should not be confused with versions of the Zvezda [[Kh-23]] air-to-surface missile built under licence in Yugoslavia/Serbia as the Grom-A and Grom-B.

== History ==
[[File:Ćwiczenia przeciwlotników 04.jpg|thumb|Polish soldiers practice aiming with Grom MANPADs]]
[[File:PZR Grom in Lithuanian Air Force.jpg|thumb|Lithuanian soldiers train with Grom]]

Initially at least since the 1970s the MESKO metal works in [[Skarżysko-Kamienna]] mass-produced license-built Soviet [[Strela 2|Strela-2M]] (SA-7 Grail) [[surface-to-air missile]]s, designated in Poland as Strzała-2M. However, when these became outdated in the late 1980s the lead designers prepared the works to produce a more modern Soviet design, the [[9K38 Igla]] (SA-18 Grouse). However, Poland left the Soviet bloc in 1990 and the license was declined, thus leaving Poland with no modern [[MANPADS]] at hand.

Because of that, in late 1992 various Polish works and design bureaus (among them the [[Zielonka]]-based [[Military Institute of Armament Technology]], the WAT [[Military University of Technology]] and the Skarżysko Rocket Design Bureau) started working on a new Igla-like design. These were allegedly helped by the [[Polish intelligence]] services able to buy the design plans of the original [[9K38 Igla]] missile system in the [[LOMO]] works in [[Leningrad]] (modern [[St. Petersburg]]) during the turmoil following the [[dissolution of the Soviet Union]].<ref name="GW">{{cite journal | author =jagor, [[Polish Press Agency|PAP]] | date =August 2009 | title =Polska broń w służbie gruzińskiej armii | journal =[[Gazeta Wyborcza]] | issue =2009–08–10 | url =http://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/Wiadomosci/1,80277,6911324,Polska_bron_w_sluzbie_gruzinskiej_armii.html | language =pl | access-date =2009-08-10 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20090813090654/http://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/Wiadomosci/1,80277,6911324,Polska_bron_w_sluzbie_gruzinskiej_armii.html | archive-date =2009-08-13 }}</ref> By 1995 the first batch (marked as GROM-1) entered service. It included a number of imported Russian components. By the late 1990s these were replaced with entirely Poland-designed elements.

On January 1, 2013, Bumar Amunicja manufactured their 2,000th Grom missile set.<ref name=":0">[http://www.armyrecognition.com/january_2013_army_military_defense_industry_news/polish_company_bumar_amunicja_manufactured_2000th_grom_anti-aicraft_missile_set_0101133.html 2,000th Grom missile set] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130103213037/http://www.armyrecognition.com/january_2013_army_military_defense_industry_news/polish_company_bumar_amunicja_manufactured_2000th_grom_anti-aicraft_missile_set_0101133.html |date=2013-01-03 }} - Armyrecognition.com, January 1, 2013</ref>

Grom was later improved into what became known as the [[Piorun (missile)|'''Piorun''']], with a new seeker and rocket motor.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/how-poland-would-defend-its-skies-russia-missiles-migs-25497 |title=How Poland Would Defend Its Skies from Russia's Missiles and MiGs &#124; the National Interest Blog |date=22 April 2018 |access-date=2018-04-23 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180423070628/http://nationalinterest.org/blog/the-buzz/how-poland-would-defend-its-skies-russia-missiles-migs-25497 |archive-date=2018-04-23 |url-status=live }}</ref>

== Design ==
The system is designed to be operated by one soldier. It consists of a single-stage projectile, a single-use tubular launcher, a starting mechanism, and an on-ground power supply. The rocket projectile uses solid propellant. The infrared aiming sensor is cooled with liquid nitrogen. There are options for [[identification friend or foe]] and thermovision.

==Operational history==
The 'Grom' has been used by [[Polish Land Forces]] since 1995.<ref name="dziennik"/>  It is also exported to other countries, including [[Georgia (country)|Georgia]] which bought 30 launchers and 100 missiles in 2007.<ref name="dziennik">{{cite journal | author =Michał Majewski, Paweł Reszka | date =August 2009 | title =Polska broń w służbie gruzińskiej armii | journal =[[Dziennik]] | issue =2009–08–10 | url =http://www.dziennik.pl/polityka/article428618/Polska_bron_w_sluzbie_gruzinskiej_armii.html | language =pl | access-date =2009-08-10 | archive-url =https://web.archive.org/web/20090918163029/http://www.dziennik.pl/polityka/article428618/Polska_bron_w_sluzbie_gruzinskiej_armii.html | archive-date =2009-09-18 }}</ref> According to press releases during the [[Russo-Georgian War]], Polish-made GROM missiles targeted Russian planes and helicopters 20 times, 12 missiles were fired out of which 9 hit their targets, and most likely shot down a [[Su-25]].<ref name="GW"/>

The [[Indonesian Army]] bought around 152 Grom missiles as part of Kobra (Aster) [[Short Range Air Defense|V-SHORAD]] system, including four [[Poprad (self-propelled anti-aircraft missile system)|Poprad]] mobile launchers, 12 [[ZU-23-2|ZUR-23-2&nbsp;kg-I]] launchers and 76 missiles delivered in 2007 and the second such system ordered in 2006.<ref name=ntw/>

In March 2012, Peru chose the winners of a $140 million competition meant to upgrade its air defence systems, choosing among others 50 Grom launchers and six [[Poprad (self-propelled anti-aircraft missile system)|Poprad]] mobile launchers.<ref>{{cite news|last1=Adamowski|first1=Jaroslaw|title=Rafael, Bumar, Northrop Win $140M Peru Contract|url=http://www.defensenews.com/article/20120319/DEFREG02/303190007/Rafael-Bumar-Northrop-Win-140M-Peru-Contract|archive-url=https://archive.today/20141229013436/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20120319/DEFREG02/303190007/Rafael-Bumar-Northrop-Win-140M-Peru-Contract|archive-date=December 29, 2014|access-date=29 December 2014|work=Defense News|date=19 March 2012}}</ref> However, there have been no reports of the deal being finalized.

== Political relevance ==
In late 2008, the Russian press made claims that Russian Army personnel had discovered Polish GROM missiles in Chechnya. In response, the Polish press quickly reacted and accused Russia of fabricating evidence to falsely link Poland to the conflict. The Polish press claimed that the missiles had actually been moved by Russians from Georgia to Chechnya.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/Wiadomosci/1,80625,5839057,Polskie_rakiety_Rosjanie_wywiezli_z_Gruzji__a_nastepnie.html |title=Polskie rakiety Rosjanie wywieźli z Gruzji, a następnie 'odkryli' w Czeczenii |access-date=2009-05-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090913053650/http://wiadomosci.gazeta.pl/Wiadomosci/1,80625,5839057,Polskie_rakiety_Rosjanie_wywiezli_z_Gruzji__a_nastepnie.html |archive-date=2009-09-13 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Operators==
[[File:Grom operators.png|thumb|400px|Map with Grom operators in blue]]

===Current operators===
* {{flag|Georgia}} – 30 launchers and 100+ missiles, were used in [[Russo-Georgian war]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://geo-army.ge/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33&Itemid=9&lang=en |title=Grom (missile) |access-date=2013-01-12 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131012013045/http://www.geo-army.ge/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=33&Itemid=9&lang=en |archive-date=2013-10-12 |website=Geo-Army}}</ref>
* {{flag|Indonesia}} – In use as a part of Aster system.<ref name=ntw>{{cite magazine |last=Kiński |first=Andrzej |date=2008 |title=Kobra wychodzi z cienia |trans-title= Cobra comes out from a shadow|url= |language= pl|magazine=Nowa Technika Wojskowa|issue=1/2008 |pages=16–17  |location=Warsaw |publisher=  Magnum-X}}</ref>
* {{flag|Lithuania}} – 18 launchers bought in 2014, in 2023 another batch worth around $20 million was bought.<ref>{{cite web |title=UNROCA (United Nations Register of Conventional Arms) |url=https://www.unroca.org/lithuania/report/2015/ |website=www.unroca.org |access-date=17 October 2023}}</ref><ref name="delfi">*{{cite news |url=http://en.delfi.lt/lithuania/defence/lithuania-signs-contract-on-purchase-of-grom-air-defense-system.d?id=65732128 |title=Lithuania signs contract on purchase of GROM air-defense system |publisher=Delfi |date=3 September 2014 |access-date=2014-09-03 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141030164645/http://en.delfi.lt/lithuania/defence/lithuania-signs-contract-on-purchase-of-grom-air-defense-system.d?id=65732128 |archive-date=30 October 2014 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="ReferenceA">{{Cite web |url=http://www.defence24.pl/news_polskie-rakiety-grom-trafia-na-litwe |title=Polskie rakiety Grom trafią na Litwę &#124; DEFENCE24 |access-date=2017-08-20 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160305010324/http://www.defence24.pl/news_polskie-rakiety-grom-trafia-na-litwe |archive-date=2016-03-05 }}</ref>
* {{flag|Poland}} – Around 400 launchers and 2000 missiles of Grom version, 400 missiles of Piorun version, 420 launchers and 1300 missiles of Piorun version on order.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.polska-zbrojna.pl/home/articleshow/12516?t=Pioruny-zastapia-Gromy%2F |title=Pioruny zastąpią Gromy |access-date=2019-07-01 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827170814/http://www.polska-zbrojna.pl/home/articleshow/12516?t=Pioruny-zastapia-Gromy%2F |archive-date=2017-08-27 |url-status=live }}</ref>

===Evaluation only===
* {{flag|Japan}} – One launcher and five missiles, bought in 2010 for testing.<ref name="ReferenceA"/>
* {{flag|Russia}} – Captured unknown quantity of launchers in Georgia (One launcher was sent to the separatists in Ukraine).<ref name="defence24.pl">{{Cite web |url=http://www.defence24.pl/88234,polski-system-przeciwlotniczy-grom-znaleziony-na-wschodniej-ukrainie |title=Polski system przeciwlotniczy Grom znaleziony na wschodniej Ukrainie &#124; Defence24 |date=19 May 2014 |access-date=2017-07-26 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170821005148/http://www.defence24.pl/88234,polski-system-przeciwlotniczy-grom-znaleziony-na-wschodniej-ukrainie |archive-date=2017-08-21 }}</ref>
* {{Flag|United States}} – purchased 120 missiles.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Przemiana Loary w polskiego Pancyra [OPINIA] - Defence24|url=https://www.defence24.pl/przemiana-loary-w-polskiego-pancyra-opinia|access-date=2021-06-09|website=www.defence24.pl|date=6 December 2018 }}</ref>

==See also==
* {{lwc|Anza (missile)}}
* {{lwc|Misagh-2}}
* {{lwc|Qaem#Qaem ground to air missile|Qaem}}
* {{lwc|FIM-92 Stinger}}
* {{lwc|Mistral (missile)|Mistral}}
* {{lwc|Starstreak}}
* {{lwc|9K38 Igla}}
* {{lwc|RBS 70}}
* {{lwc|QW missile#QW-3|QW-3}}

==References==
<references/>

== External links ==
* [http://www.mesko.com.pl/ MESKO—Ammunition, Fuses, Primers and Missile Components—Producer site]
* [http://www.armyrecognition.com/polish_missile_vehicles_systems_weapons_poland_uk/grom_manpads_man-portable_air_defense_missile_system_technical_data_sheet_specifications_pictures.html GROM MAn-Portable Air-Defense missile System MANPADS on armyrecognition.com]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Grom, PPZR}}
[[Category:Guided missiles of Poland]]
[[Category:20th-century surface-to-air missiles]]
[[Category:21st-century surface-to-air missiles]]
[[Category:Science and technology in Poland]]
[[Category:Polish inventions]]
[[Category:Military equipment introduced in the 1990s]]