The contract with the Swedish company SAAB Dynamics AB on acquisition of the Bolide and MK-2-type missiles for the RBS-70 short-range man-portable missile air defence system was signed in the autumn of 2022. The delivered missiles are worth approx. EUR 15 million.
The RBS-70 is used by the Lithuanian Armed Forces Air Defence Battalion. It was selected for the task on the basis of uncomplicated maintenance, mobility and resilience to electromagnetic jamming.
The Ministry of National Defence channels funds to strengthen air defence in reflection of the lessons learned in Ukraine as the Lithuanian Armed Forces modernization is continued. Over 45% of the national defence budget, which constitutes nearly EUR 1 billion, is planned to be dedicated to the Lithuanian Armed Forces modernization in 2024.
