Lithuania receives a batch of Bolide anti-aircraft missiles

The Lithuanian Armed Forces received a batch of Swedish-made Bolide missiles, which had been delivered by plane the day before.

The Lithuanian Ministry of Defense reported on this.

These guided missiles are designed for RBS 70 portable anti-aircraft missile systems (MANPADS).

The Ministry noted that these weapons will help to perform air defense tasks more effectively and strengthen Lithuania’s security.

The cost of the delivered batch of Bolide missiles is €2 million.

“The experience of the war in Ukraine clearly demonstrates the importance of effective air defense. This acquisition is one of the steps in expanding Lithuania’s air defense capabilities,” Defense Minister Dovile Šakalienė reported.

In the fall of 2022, the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense signed a contract with the Swedish company SAAB Dynamics AB to purchase Bolide and MK-2 guided missiles for the RBS-70 MANPADS.

The total cost of the ordered Bolide missiles is approximately €34 million. Militarnyi reported on the deliveries under the agreement last year.

Lithuania chose the RBS 70 short-range air defense system because of its ease of maintenance, mobility, and resistance to electromagnetic interference. These systems are currently in service with the army’s air defense battalion.

The Lithuanian Ministry of Defense noted that the missiles of this system are constantly being upgraded to increase their range and improve other technical characteristics. Bolide missiles can effectively destroy air targets at a distance of up to 9 kilometers.

In July 2024, Lithuania ordered mobile short-range air defense systems based on RBS 70 man-portable air defense missiles in the latest NG version from the Swedish company Saab.

The total cost of purchasing an undisclosed number of such systems is approximately €147 million. Delivery of these air defense systems is scheduled for 2025-2027.