Lithuania takes national defence very seriously which is reflected in the continued building up of air defence capabilities. Additional contracts with Sweden’s Saab Dynamics on RBS70 NG Mobile Short-Range Air Defence System RBS70 NG (MSHORAD) acquisition and with Norway’s Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace on procurement of the medium range ground-based National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS) have been signed this week.
“Acquisition of these advanced short and medium-range air defence systems is necessary to make sure the Lithuanian Airspace Defence Concept is executable. Air domain is critical not just to us but the whole on NATO, therefore it is paid particular attention. Aside from supplementary the NASAMS and additional RBS70 NG (MSHORAD) acquisitions, Lithuania also has EUR 10 million dedicated for the PIORUN short-range man-portable air defence system this year so that we are able to replace our outdated GROM system,” says Minister of National Defence Laurynas Kasčiūnas.
The additional allocation of EUR 96 million in 2024 speeds up key armament projects with acquisition of man-portable short-range and medium-range air defence systems. The equipment will be dedicated for the development air defence capability in the Lithuanian Armed Forces Division. The allocation has made the procurement possible six years ahead of the planned earliest date in 2030.
The Ministry of National Defence is purchasing RBS70 NG (MSHORAD) according to a EUR 130 million worth contract signed on October 1.
The contract on NASAMS acquisition was signed on October 3, worth of EUR 234 million. Additional defence financing has allowed the project to be accelerated by 7 years.
RBS70 NG (MSHORAD) is designed to provide air defence for mobile land force units, sites, territories and critical infrastructure. The system has the advantage of mobility and it is electromagnetic jamming-proof, the system is compatible with the missiles and air defence systems already operated by the Lithuanian Armed Forces. The purchased RBS70 NG will come mounted on the JLTVs which will ensure mobility and crew protection. ,
The acquisitions strengthen the Lithuanian Armed Forces’ ability to counter air attacks and improve security of maneuver units on combat missions.
Phase 3 of the NASAMS projects will encompass acquisition of launchers, radars and fire distribution centers, as well as vital upgrades of the NASAMS already in the Lithuanian Armed Forces which have been developed on the basis of lessons learned on the battlefield in Ukraine and the needs of the Lithuanian Armed Forces. Norway has agreed to concede to Lithuania some missiles for the NASAMS system. NASAMS is the most common ground-based medium-range air defence system across the Alliance.
Contract with Sweden’s Saab Dynamics on RBS70 NG Mobile Short-Range Air Defence System RBS70 NG (MSHORAD) acquisition
Contract with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace on procurement of the medium range ground-based National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS)
Press conference on strengthening Lithuania’s air defence
