A batch of Lithuanian Army Bofors 40 mm L/70 multi-purpose autocannons and ammunition, which will help defend critical infrastructure, have already arrived to Ukraine. The Lithuanian Ministry of Defense has decided to provide assistance to Ukraine in the fight against Russian kamikaze drones. Lithuania has prepared 36 L70 Bofors autocannons for transfer, decommissioned by the Lithuanian Army, and also trained Ukrainian military personnel in the operation of these anti-aircraft systems. The Lithuanians did not directly train the crews of anti-aircraft guns, but trained instructors who will train the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The Lithuanian Defense Minister Arvydas Anusauskas said on Feb. 9 at a joint press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart Oleksii Reznikov.
The Baltic States will continue supporting Ukraine not only in diplomatic and political ways, but also in strengthening Ukraine’s ability to defend itself. The Baltic States have decided to answer Ukrainian needs and to provide additional defence related assistance. Lithuania also has delivered Stinger FIM-92 man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS) to Ukraine. Lithuania stand united in their commitment to Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in face of continued Russian aggression. Lithuania will provide Stinger anti-aircraft missiles and adjacent equipment to bolster Ukraine’s defensive military capabilities.
The Bofors 40 mm L/70, like most Bofors autocannons, is based on the same core action as the original Bofors 40 mm Automatic Gun L/60, basically being a fire on closing, self-ejecting gun with a recoil-operated autoloader in the same receiver, and thus looks visually similar. Despite this, the Bofors 40 mm L/70 is a separate design with a number of major changes compared to its predecessor. The most superficial changes are the longer L/70 barrel, double cooling vents on the jacket and the fact that the weapon comes chambered for a more powerful 40×365mmR cartridge. The new L/70 gun has also been used in various naval mounts and serves as the main armament for the CV9040 mechanized infantry fighting vehicle.
In spite of the Bofors 40 mm L/70 being a separate development to the older Bofors 40 mm L/60-design, the similarities and success between the two guns has caused them both to be widely known simply as “the Bofors” or the “Bofors 40 mm gun”, which at times causes the guns to be confused as one and the same weapon. The L/70 fires different 40mm rounds than the earlier L/60. The new rounds are slightly lighter and have a much higher velocity. The latest upgrades include the 3P proximity fuse ammunition. The rounds are loaded in 4 round clips, although most systems are fitted with a 26 round hopper. The cyclic rate of fire is 240 rpm and upgrade packages offer 300 rpm. The maximum effective range is 3 to 4 km.
