Lithuania spends 320 million euros to buy RBS 70 missiles to strengthen its air defense network.
Lithuania has signed a contract to purchase Bolide missiles for the RBS 70 NG system to counter Ka-52 helicopters and UAVs, ensuring air defense needs are met for the period 2026-2032.
Lithuania has officially placed an order for a new batch of RBS 70 "Bolide" anti-aircraft missiles from the Swedish defense group Saab, with a total contract value of 320 million euros. This deal is designed to ensure the operational needs and maintain the defensive capabilities of the Baltic nation's armed forces between 2026 and 2032.
Upgrading next-generation short-range air defense capabilities.
This large-scale ammunition procurement contract is part of a framework agreement for the procurement of the latest generation RBS 70 NG air defense systems. The document, signed between the Lithuanian Ministry of Defence and the Swedish Ministry of Defence's Logistics Agency, assesses the importance of maintaining ammunition reserves for short-range systems.
The RBS 70 NG system is capable of destroying a wide variety of airborne targets, from jets and helicopters to difficult-to-intercept targets such as cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The addition of Bolide missiles will help Lithuania maintain the initiative against increasingly sophisticated aerial threats.
Integrated onto a mobile armored platform.
Notably, Lithuania is accelerating the modernization of its anti-aircraft batteries through the mobile MSHORAD version. These systems will be integrated directly onto the JLTV armored vehicle chassis, creating high mobility on the battlefield.
Technically, a standard air defense system includes a launch module, a Giraffe 1X radar station, and a GBAD C2 command and control system. This combination allows for earlier detection and more effective target destruction compared to traditional shoulder-mounted versions.
Practical experience in dealing with Ka-52 helicopters.
The Lithuanian military has over 20 years of experience operating the RBS 70 missile system since 2004. The effectiveness of this weapon has been specifically demonstrated in the battlefield in Ukraine, where systems supplied by Lithuania have carried out numerous successful interceptions, including shooting down a Russian Ka-52 attack helicopter.
Besides focusing on the RBS 70, Lithuania continues to maintain its NASAMS medium-range air defense systems. However, given the frequent delays in the supply chain for NASAMS missiles, significant investment in ammunition for the RBS 70 is seen as a strategic move to ensure continuous airspace security.