The Defence Materiel Company beneath the Lithuanian Ministry of Nationwide Defence has signed a contract with Sweden’s SAAB Dynamics AB on acquisition of Bolide and MK-2 kind guided missiles for RBS-70 short-range anti-aircraft defence system. In response to Minister of Nationwide Defence Arvydas Anušauskas, with the rising trajectory of defence spending, Lithuania turns into in a position to step up defence procurement and guarantee a greater readiness of the Lithuanian Armed Forces. Lithuania learns from Ukraine’s classes and focuses on investing in air defence: acquires air defence programs, strengthens airspace surveillance and management, and strengthens the Host Nation Assist to make sure the flexibility to obtain allies shortly and effectively.
RBS 70 (Robotsystem 70) is a man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS) designed for anti-aircraft warfare in all local weather zones and with little to no help from different forces. Initially designed and manufactured by the Swedish defence agency of Bofors Defence (now Saab Bofors Dynamics, since 2000). It makes use of the RB 70 missile which can be in use in plenty of different Swedish missile programs. Mk 1 and Mk 2 adopted shortly and are the usual RBS 70 with a spread of 5,000–6,000 m and a ceiling of three,000 m. At the moment, RBS 70 is operational in 18 buyer nations, on all continents and in arctic, desert, and tropical environments.
Commercial
RBS-70 MK-2 programs are utilized by the Lithuanian Air Defence Battalion. The short-range system was picked for its undemanding operation, mobility and being fully mechanical and electromagnetic interference-proof. The BOLIDE missile is an RBS 70 Mk 2 improve that’s sooner (Mach 2 vs Mach 1.6), with a spread as much as 8 km (5.0 mi) and may attain an altitude of 6 km. The Bolide missiles are an advance model of the MK-2, the improved engine provides velocity and manoeuvre, in addition to expands the altitude and distance parameters. The worth of the contract totals as much as approx. EUR 45 million.
Lithuania is a component of the collective defence structure of the Alliance and maintains readiness for defence of the nation and all the Alliance alongside different Allies. Defence plans are additionally improved by way of common workout routines in order that the Alliance area is comprehensively secured towards any aggression. NATO attracts and constantly updates defence plans that make sure the collective response to crises or conflicts. NATO fighter capabilities have been conducting air policing capabilities within the Baltic states since 2004. Throughout peacetime, NATO fighter plane are patrolling the Baltic skies and reply to airspace trespassing thus contributing to airspace surveillance and management.
