Lithuania orders more Saab MSHORAD systems

Lithuania has ordered more Saab Dynamics MSHORAD systems, which the Swedish company will integrate into JLTVs. (Saab)

Lithuania has ordered a third battery of Saab Dynamics mobile short-range air-defence (MSHORAD) systems, the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence (MND) and the Swedish company announced on 1 December. The Lithuanian MND valued the contract at over EUR119 million (USD138 million).

The order for additional MSHORAD systems includes mobile firing units (MFUs), mobile radar units (MRUs) based on the RBS 70 NG manportable air-defence system (MANPADS) and the Giraffe 1X radar, all connected with Saabʼs Ground-Based Air-Defence (GBAD) command-and-control (C2) system and datalink for communication between units, with deliveries planned for 2026–30.

The Lithuanian Army will receive MSHORADS integrated by Saab into the Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV). The Lithuanian MND said a contract worth approximately EUR11 million would be signed soon with Saab Dynamics on this integration.

The Lithuanian MSHORAD is designed to protect mobile ground forces, facilities, territory, and critical infrastructure against air threats, according to the MND. The ministry listed the systemʼs advantages as including mobility, resistance to electronic countermeasures, and compatibility with the missiles and other air-defence systems operated by the Lithuanian Armed Forces.

The MSHORAD order follows the second one announced in October 2024 for delivery in 2026–29 and the initial one in July 2024, the latter of which also included a training package and RBS 70 NGs, in addition to MFUs, MRUs, and GBAD C2, with deliveries in 2025–27.

Together, the three orders cover the integration of the system into three batteries of JLTVs.