Swedish aerospace and defense company Saab announced on Tuesday that it has signed a four-year contract with the Lithuanian Defense Agency, allowing customers to order RBS-70 rockets until 2026.
According to a press release from Saab, a first purchase in a new contract has also been placed, with an order value of EUR 45 million. Deliveries will take place in 2023-2024.
The order includes missiles for Saab’s RBS-70 ground-based air defense system, which Lithuania has been using since 2004.
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“Our best-in-class short-range air defense missiles offer a tactical advantage. The recent contract will further strengthen Lithuania’s air defense capabilities through the RBS 70 system and its high-performance missiles,” said Görgen Johansson, business area head of Saab Dynamics.
The Lithuanian military noted that the Ministry of Defense has signed a contract with SAAB Dynamics AB of Sweden for the purchase of Bolide and MK-2 guided missiles for the RBS-70 short-range air defense system.
The RBS-70 system is used by the Lithuanian Air Defense Battalion. The short-range system was chosen for its unnecessary operation, mobility and complete resistance to mechanical and electromagnetic interference.
The MK-2’s altitude and range is up to 4 km and 7 km, respectively, the missile is used by a number of other NATO allies. The Bolide missile is an advanced version of the MK-2, with an improved engine that increases speed and maneuverability, as well as extending the altitude and distance parameters.
