Lithuania has signed a contract to purchase Bolide-type missiles for RBS-70 short-range air defence systems from Swedish company SAAB for more than 320 million euros, the Defence Ministry announced Wednesday.
The ministry said the contract, along with previously signed agreements, will ensure a continuous supply of this type of ammunition to the Lithuanian Armed Forces for the next six years.
“Strengthening air defence is one of our top priorities. We have signed a contract for the purchase of RBS-70 Bolide-type missiles in order to ensure an uninterrupted supply of this type of ammunition to the Lithuanian Armed Forces,” Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas said in a press release.
The Lithuanian Air Defence Battalion is already equipped with RBS-70 missile systems. The system was selected for its ease of maintenance, high mobility, and ability to destroy air targets effectively both day and night.
The RBS-70 system includes a stand, a launcher, and a missile. Bolide missiles can engage air targets at distances up to nine kilometres and penetrate armour up to 200 millimetres thick.
In addition to the Bolide missiles, Lithuania is also acquiring Carl-Gustaf M4 recoilless grenade launchers and ammunition, single-use AT4 grenade launchers, and mobile short-range air defence systems from SAAB.
Lithuania plans to allocate 5.38 percent of its GDP, or 4.78 billion euros, to defense next year.
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