A test firing of Saab’s Bolide SHORAD missile. (Lithuanian Army)
Lithuania’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) signed a EUR320 million (USD373 million) contract with Saab for an unknown number of Bolide surface-to-air missiles for its RBS 70 short-range air-defence (SHORAD) systems.
“This and previously signed contracts will ensure the uninterrupted supply of this type of ammunition to the Lithuanian Armed Forces in the period 2026–2032,” said the Lithuanian MND in a 31 December press release. Saab said in a release the same day that deliveries are expected to take place between 2028 and 2032.
The Lithuanian Air Defence Battalion has operated the RBS 70 system since 2004. In October 2022, the Lithuanian MND placed a EUR45 million order for Bolide and Mk 2 missiles, followed in July and October 2024 by EUR147 million and EUR130 million orders respectively for mobile short-range air-defence (MSHORAD) equipment. This included mobile fire and radar units and a command-and-control (C2) system. It ordered a third MSHORAD battery, which incorporates RBS 70, on 1 December 2025.
The Lithuanian MND said that the laser-guided and jamming-resistant Bolide missile can destroy air targets out to 9 km and penetrate armour up to 200 mm thick.
Saab said that the order is placed within a framework agreement for RBS 70 NG (New Generation) between Saab, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), and the Lithuanian MND.
Further analysis and assessment online:
Lithuania orders more Saab MSHORAD systems
Lithuania orders more NASAMS and MSHORAD air-defence systems
Lithuania orders Saab mobile air-defence systems
Lithuania orders RBS 70 missiles
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