The Lithuanian Armed Forces have received another batch of Saab-manufactured Bolide missiles worth 2 million euros ($2.2 million).
The guided missiles are primarily used in the RBS-70 short-range man-portable air defense system to engage hostile low-flying aircraft, cruise missiles, and drones at a range of up to 9 kilometers (5.5 miles) and pierce armor up to 200 millimeters (7.8 inches) in thickness.
This delivery follows a previous missile package valued at 15 million euros ($16 million) delivered last year. Both are part of a broader 2022 deal for Saab to supply Bolide and Mk-2 missiles for the RBS-70 in service with the Lithuanian Army Air Defense Battalion.
The Bolide missiles cost around 34 million euros ($38 million).
“The experience of the war in Ukraine clearly shows the importance of effective air defense. This acquisition is one of the steps in expanding Lithuania’s air defense capabilities,” said Defense Minister Dovilė Šakalienė.
Protecting NATO’s Eastern Flank
The Baltic NATO member has been modernizing its military as part of its preparations in the event of a potential Russian attack on NATO members by 2030.
This year, Lithuania announced its plans to increase its defense spending to 5 to 6 percent of its GDP from 2026 to 2030.
Vilnius also took further steps to reactivate its 1st Mechanized Division, expecting it to reach full operational status by 2030. It also unveiled an evacuation plan in April for its citizens in case of war.
This month, the former Soviet republic contributed 1.1 billion euros ($1.2 billion) toward fortifying its border with Russia and Belarus, and boosting its local defense industry with a 300-million-euro ($337.4 million) investment.
