Lithuania received a delivery of the Bolide missiles earlier this week to be used with the RBS-70 man-portable short-range anti-aircraft missile defence system. The delivery of the equipment manufactured by Sweden’s SAAB Dynamics AB is worth EUR 7 million. Lithuania signed a new EUR 320 million contract with the manufacturer last year.
“We continue to consistently strengthen air defence, one of our steady priorities. We have a clear and consistent air defence plan we implement step by step: every new system, radar or missile is a concrete result of this plan. The Bolide missiles are a reliable piece of equipment tested on the battlefield and resilient to electronic jamming that enables effective destruction of modern air threats,” says Minister of National Defence Robertas Kaunas.
The RBS-70 system is used by the Lithuanian Air Defence Battalion. The short-range system was selected for its particularly easy maintenance, mobility and other characteristics. The laser-guided system effectively destroys airborne targets during the light and dark part of the day, resists electronic jamming and is effective against modern air threats.
The RBS-70 air defence system comprises a stand, a launcher and a missile. The missiles used by the system are constantly upgraded to enhance their effective range and other technical characteristics. The Bolide type is effective within up to 9 km range and penetrates up to 200 mm of armor.
Lithuania signed the new contract with SAAB Dynamics AB on acquisition of the guided Bolide-type missiles for the RBS-70 man-portable short-range anti-aircraft missile defence system in 2025. The contract stands at over EUR 320 million. It ensures uninterrupted supply to the Lithuanian Armed Forces for the period 2026-2032.
