Lithuania to buy Swedish short-range air defense systems

Lithuania will purchase RBS70 NG short-range mobile air defense systems developed in Sweden for €147 million. They are designed to protect certain facilities, territories, and critical infrastructure.

This was reported by RBC-Ukraine with reference to LRT.

The Lithuanian Defense Resources Agency of the Ministry of Defense has reportedly signed final agreements with the Swedish company Saab Dynamics. The delivery is scheduled for 2025–2027.

The short-range mobile air defense system consists of mobile fire control centers, Giraffe 1X mobile radars, and RBS70 NG mobile fire systems.

"The system is designed to protect certain facilities, territories, and critical infrastructure. The advantage of this system is its mobility, which makes it so necessary. It will significantly expand the capabilities of the Lithuanian Armed Forces. We are currently using the old generation RBS 70 air defense system and Bolide missiles," said Lithuanian Defense Minister Laurinas Kasciunas.

Lithuania is also considering purchasing Piorun air defense systems from Poland.

In addition, additional medium-range air defense systems will be purchased. By September, the Ministry of Defense is to decide whether these will be NASAMS or Iris-T systems, which are not currently used in the Lithuanian Armed Forces.

Author - Serhii Kolomiets, 09/07/2024