Lithuania Signs €320M Deal with Saab for RBS 70 Bolide Air Defense Missiles
Lithuania has concluded a defense procurement deal worth €320 million with Sweden’s Saab, securing deliveries of the RBS 70 Bolide short-range air defense missile system, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Defense.
The RBS 70 Bolide represents Saab’s advanced man-portable air defense solution, designed to counter tactical aircraft, helicopters, and unmanned aerial vehicles under diverse operational conditions. The missile travels at approximately Mach 2, equivalent to around 680 meters per second, and is capable of engaging targets at ranges up to 8 kilometers and altitudes reaching 5,000 meters. Its guidance relies on laser beam-riding technology, which is resistant to jamming, while the warhead combines a high-explosive shaped charge with fragmentation pellets. The system employs a dual fuze mechanism, integrating both laser-proximity and impact detonation modes, ensuring effectiveness against a wide spectrum of aerial threats.
Deliveries under this contract are scheduled to commence in 2028 and will continue through 2032, providing Lithuania with a steady supply of missiles over several years. The acquisition forms part of a trilateral framework agreement involving Saab, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), and Lithuania’s Ministry of National Defence. This framework is intended to guarantee long-term support and consistent availability of Saab’s short-range air defense capabilities, reinforcing Lithuania’s defense posture.
Operational efficiency is a central feature of the RBS 70 system. The launcher allows rapid deployment, with reload times under five seconds, enabling sustained defensive coverage during high-intensity engagements. The New Generation (NG) variant further enhances capability by incorporating thermal imaging, allowing operators to conduct missions in all weather conditions and during both day and night.
Cost-effectiveness is achieved through Saab’s design approach, where critical components such as the laser guidance unit remain on the ground rather than being expended with each missile launch. This reduces the per-shot cost while maintaining high kill probability. The system’s resilience against countermeasures and its advanced tracking functions contribute to its reputation as a reliable and efficient short-range air defense solution.