Having re-established the national Division, Lithuania continues intensely upgrading and focusing on air defence heavily, among other things.
Yesterday, a new delivery of Bolide-type missiles arrived. The EUR 2 million purchase will be used with the RBS-70 short-range air defence missile system ensuring more efficient air defence and improved Lithuania’s security.
“Lessons learned in Ukraine clearly show the importance of effective air defence. This acquisition is one of the steps of expanding the Lithuanian air defence capabilities. The Bolide missiles are compatible with the RBS-70 air defence missile system which, besides other qualities, is fully resistant to mechanical interference and electromagnetic jamming,” said Minister of National Defence Dovilė Šakalienė.
The contract with the Swedish manufacturer SAAB Dynamics AB on acquisition of the laser-guided Bolide missiles for the RBS-70 short-range air defence missile system and MK-2-type missiles was signed in the autumn of 2022. Value of the purchased Bolide missiles stands at approx. EUR 34 million.
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 system effectively destroys airborne targets during the light and dark part of the day.
The RBS-70 air defence system comprises a stand, 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.
Photo credits: MoD
