Lithuania to buy Swedish short-range air defense systems for almost 150 million euros
Photo: Lithuania to purchase Swedish short-range air defense systems (SAAB)
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, according to LRT.
The Defense Resources Agency of the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense has signed final agreements with the Swedish company Saab Dynamics. The deliveries are scheduled for 2025-2027.
The short-range mobile air defense system includes mobile fire control centers, mobile Giraffe 1X radars, and mobile RBS70 NG launchers.
"This system is designed to provide protection for specific objects, territories, and critical infrastructure. The advantage of this system is its mobility, which makes it so essential. It will significantly enhance the capabilities of the Lithuanian Armed Forces. Currently, we are using the older generation RBS 70 system and Bolide missiles," said Lithuanian Defense Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas.
Lithuania is also considering purchasing Piorun air defense systems from Poland.
Additionally, more medium-range air defense systems will be procured. By September, the Ministry of Defense will decide whether these will be NASAMS or Iris-T systems, which are not currently used by the Lithuanian Armed Forces.
Previously, it was reported that the Lithuanian State Defense Council supported the decision to allocate at least 0.25% of GDP to support Ukraine.
