Saab to supply air defence systems to Lithuania under $123 million deal
Lithuania’s MSHORAD system will be installed on Oshkosh JLTVs. (Photo: Saab Aerospace)
Unveiled at the DSEI 2017, the Mobile Short-Range Air Defence (MSHORAD) solution, comprising the Giraffe 1X, C2 and RBS 70 NG Remote Weapon System (RWS), was developed by Saab to meet the requirement of mobile forces to identify and counter air threats.
Lithuania has ordered MSHORAD systems from Saab under a deal worth approximately SEK1.3 billion (US$123 million) with deliveries to take place take place between 2025 and 2027.
The order is part of a framework agreement between Saab, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence which allows Lithuania to place orders for Saab’s mobile short-range air defence missile solution RBS 70 NG.
The company said the order included mobile firing and radar units, command and control system, a training package and the RBS 70 NG trainer. Saab will integrate MSHORAD into Joint Light Tactical Vehicles from Oshkosh Defence before delivery to the customer.
Related Articles
Saab to demonstrate MSHORAD in ‘near future’
Saab kindles international interest with MSHORAD live firing test
Sweden signs with Saab for MSHORAD
The order makes Lithuania the second known customer. In an announcement made in January this year, Saab said it would provide Sweden’s defence forces with MSHORAD systems under a SEK300 million contract signed with the FMV.
The contract was placed in late-2023 with the fulfilment period 2024–26. The systems will be used “to further define Sweden’s future mobile air defence requirements”, according to Saab.
Saab conducted the first live firing tests of MSHORAD system in Sweden in August 2022 in an event attended by 15 potential customers from NATO and non-NATO countries.
During the test, a total of five successful firings were executed — four by day and one at night — with an RBS 70 NG Mobile Firing Unit on a MARS-S330 vehicle against several targets, including a DJI Matrice 300 RTK quadcopter and an elevated AS365 N3 helicopter frame.
The sale to Lithuania may open the door to other countries looking for a mobile air defence system to operate in a CUAS or anti-aircraft role, a concept of operations for which there has been high demand in the region.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![The overlooked ally: Canadian support for Ukraine surpasses some European partners]()
The overlooked ally: Canadian support for Ukraine surpasses some European partners
Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Canada has committed more military assistance than France in terms of GDP.
-
![France mulls new turret options to increase its VBCI IFV’s firepower]()
France mulls new turret options to increase its VBCI IFV’s firepower
The proposed enhancements could better position the French Army’s armoured infantry fighting vehicle for future export campaigns.
-
![US Army moves towards calls for bids for medium UGV as competitors warm up]()
US Army moves towards calls for bids for medium UGV as competitors warm up
The US Army’s Medium Modular Equipment Transport Trailer (M-METT) programme is planned to provide a platform between Increment II of Small Multipurpose Equipment Transport and the Palletized Load System.
-
![Why bridging the gap between military and COTS systems is key to seamless defence comms (Studio)]()
Why bridging the gap between military and COTS systems is key to seamless defence comms (Studio)
Technology that enables armed forces to leverage existing network infrastructure can be a game-changer in many combat scenarios.
-
![Europe’s future tank hits targets as MARTE programme gains momentum]()
Europe’s future tank hits targets as MARTE programme gains momentum
An effort to develop a new European main battle tank has passed several milestones on the road to a Preliminary Design Review which is expected within two years.
-
![UK MoD clears British Army’s Ajax saying “no safety concerns when operated properly”]()
UK MoD clears British Army’s Ajax saying “no safety concerns when operated properly”
The British Army’s Ajax armoured personnel carrier has a chequered history but hopes were high when Initial Operating Capability was declared last year. More problems saw operations suspended but the MoD reports it has identified the problems and short- and medium-term solutions.
