Vilnius: Lithuania has signed a £320 million ($376 million) deal with Swedish company Saab for Bolide air defense missiles, the country's Defense Ministry announced Wednesday. "Lithuania strengthens its air defence by signing a £320m deal with Swedish company SAAB for RBS-70 'Bolide' missiles, ensuring continuous supply for Lithuanian army throughout 2026-2032," the ministry wrote on US social media platform X.
According to Anadolu Agency, the RBS-70 system will enhance "mobility, efficiency, and resilience against modern air threats," the ministry added. "With this order, we continue our commitment to supporting the Lithuanian Armed Forces with our world-leading RBS 70 missiles. These form a key part of the nation's air defence capability and contribute to keeping Lithuania's airspace safe," Gorgen Johansson, the head of Saab's business area dynamics, also said in a written statement.
Since the start of the Ukraine war in February 2022, countries in Europe have been bolstering their defense systems and budgets, including countries like Lithuania that border Russia.