Lithuania orders missiles for air defense systems from SAAB for 320 million euros
Photo: Lithuanian Armed Forces

Lithuania has signed a contract for the purchase of Bolide missiles for short-range air defense systems RBS-70 from the Swedish company SAAB worth more than 320 million euros, the Ministry of Defense of Lithuania reported.

This contract, together with previously signed agreements, will ensure a continuous supply of this type of ammunition to the Lithuanian Armed Forces during 2026–2032, the ministry said.

Read also
What we fight with: weapons that strengthened Ukraine's defense in 2025

"Strengthening air defense is one of our top priorities," said Lithuanian Minister of National Defense Robertas Kaunas.

The Lithuanian Air Defense Battalion is already equipped with RBS-70 missile systems. The system was chosen because of its ease of maintenance, high mobility, and ability to effectively destroy air targets both day and night.

The RBS-70 system includes a rack, launcher, and missile. Bolide missiles can hit air targets at a distance of up to nine kilometers and penetrate armor up to 200 mm thick.

In addition to Bolide missiles, Lithuania is also purchasing Carl-Gustaf M4 recoilless grenade launchers and ammunition from SAAB, AT4 disposable grenade launchers, and short-range mobile air defense systems.

  • Lithuania has included in the budget for 2026 a record 4.78 billion euros for defense, or 5.38% of GDP. This is 43% more than in 2025.