The order falls under a framework agreement involving Saab Dynamics, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), and the Lithuanian Defence Ministry, with delivery scheduled between 2025 and 2027.
“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,” Defence Minister Laurynas Kasčiūnas stated in a press release.
“We are currently using the older generation RBS70 air defense system and Bolide missiles,” Kasčiūnas went on to say.
The MSHORAD mobile short-range air defense system comprises mobile fire control centers, Giraffe 1X mobile radars, and RBS70 NG mobile fire units.
The MSHORAD air defense system will be integrated onto Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) armored all-terrain vehicles.
Earlier, Kasčiūnas told the Baltic News Service (BNS) that Lithuania is also evaluating the potential procurement of Piorun air defense systems from Poland, as well as additional medium-range air defense systems.
Eastern Shield
The strengthening of Lithuania’s air defense is part of a broad project being adopted in the region, aligned with Poland’s multi-billion-zloty Eastern Shield plan that aims to fortify the country’s borders with Belarus and Russia.
The Polish government will allocate 10 billion zlotys (€2.35 billion) to the 2024–2028 program, which will also receive funding from the EU.
Poland is seeking to hinder the movement of enemy troops, facilitate the movement of Polish troops, and protect the population.
European Sky Shield Initiative
Besides the Eastern Shield, Poland is also trying to become a member of the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI).
ESSI, led by Germany, aims to establish a multi-layered air and missile defense system across Europe. ESSI focuses on countering aerial threats by deploying advanced technologies like the IRIS-T, Patriot, and Arrow 3 systems.
This initiative involves collaboration among various European nations to enhance collective security, particularly in response to the heightened risk from Russia.
In contrast, Poland’s Eastern Shield program specifically envisages fortifying its eastern borders with Russia and Belarus. Unlike the ESSI, the Eastern Shield emphasizes constructing physical defensive structures such as roadblocks, anti-tank ditches, and permanent firing positions.
