Lithuania Enhances Air Defence with Saab's MSHORAD System Acquisition

Lithuania’s Defence Ministry has announced a significant step forward in its air defence capabilities with the acquisition of the RBS70 NG mobile short-range air defence system (MSHORAD) from Swedish defence company Saab. Valued at EUR 147 million, this deal was finalized through the Defence Materiel Agency, with deliveries set to take place from 2025 to 2027.

Defence Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas emphasized the strategic importance of this acquisition, stating, "MSHORAD is designed to provide protection for certain facilities, sites, and critical infrastructure. The advantage of this system is its mobility, which makes it a much-needed system that will significantly enhance the capabilities of the Lithuanian Armed Forces." He added that Lithuania is currently using the older generation RBS70 air defence system and Bolide missiles, highlighting the upgrade's necessity.

The MSHORAD system represents a modern upgrade to Lithuania’s existing air defence arsenal. It includes mobile fire control centres, Giraffe 1X mobile radars, and RBS70 NG mobile fire units, all mounted on JLTV armoured all-terrain vehicles. This advanced configuration is set to offer Lithuania enhanced protection and operational flexibility, ensuring rapid response to potential aerial threats.

Görgen Johansson, head of Saab’s business area Dynamics, expressed pride in continuing to support Lithuania’s air defence. “MSHORAD is our response to the new threats on the battlefield. Saab’s wide expertise makes us able to deliver everything from radar and firing units as well as our command-and-control system; the result is the most modern and capable mobile short-range air defence solution on the market,” he said.

Minister Kasčiūnas also hinted at future plans to further bolster Lithuania’s air defence capabilities. Ongoing considerations include the potential acquisition of Piorun air defence systems from Poland and additional medium-range air defence systems. The Defence Ministry is expected to decide by September whether to opt for NASAMS or IRIS-T SLM systems, neither of which are currently used by the Lithuanian Armed Forces.

The acquisition of the MSHORAD system from Saab marks a significant investment in Lithuania’s national security, ensuring the country remains well-protected against modern aerial threats. With future plans to further enhance its air defence, Lithuania is taking proactive steps to safeguard its sovereignty and critical infrastructure.