Ground Warfare

Saab Receives Additional Mobile Short-Range Air Defence (MSHORAD) Order from Lithuania

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Saab MSHORAD missile firing unit on Oshkosh JLTV
Saab MSHORAD missile firing unit on Oshkosh JLTV

Saab has received an additional order from Lithuania for the Mobile Short-Range Air Defence (MSHORAD) solution. The order value is SEK 1.2 billion and deliveries are scheduled 2026-2029. Saab announced the initial MSHORAD order from Lithuania in July 2024. The recent order is placed within a framework agreement between Saab, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and the Lithuanian MoD which allows Lithuania to place orders for Saab’s mobile short-range air defence missile solution RBS 70 NG (Robotsystem 70 Next Generation). With this additional order, a second battery within the Lithuanian armed forces will be provided with Saab’s mobile air defence capability. The order includes Mobile Firing Units, Mobile Radar Units and a Command- and Control (C2) system. Saab will integrate MSHORAD into JLTV vehicles manufactured by the U.S. company Oshkosh before delivery to the customer.

“The acquisition of the Mobile Short-Range Air Defense System (MSHORAD) will enhance the Lithuanian military’s capability to counter potential enemy air attacks. The advantage of this system is its mobility, making it a highly necessary system for Lithuania,” said Lithuanian Minister of National Defense Laurynas Kasčiūnas.

“We are proud to continue supporting the Lithuanian Armed Forces’ short-range air defence capability. MSHORAD is a highly mobile solution which enables the user to quickly and effectively identify and counteract air threats,” said Görgen Johansson, head of Saab’s business area Dynamics.

Saab MSHORAD missile firing unit on Oshkosh JLTV. (Photo by Saab)
Saab MSHORAD missile firing unit on Oshkosh JLTV. (Photo by Saab)

A partnership between Saab and Oshkosh Defense was announced in June 2022, focused on the fully integrated solution of Saab’s Barracuda Mobile Camouflage System (MCS) onto the JLTV. The aim is to address the growing requirements for mobile air defence and strengthen land users capabilities to meet these current and future challenges. Saab’s industry-leading MFU uses the RBS 70 NG missile system with its unjammable laser guided missiles, which provide threats with little forewarning and even less means for countermeasures. The fully integrated multispectral Barracuda Mobile Camouflage System conceals the vehicle while also allowing the JLTV’s rapid deployment against air-based targets when needed.

The MSHORAD consists of the Mobile Radar Unit based on the Giraffe 1X radar, the Mobile Firing Unit based on the RBS 70 NG, all connected with GBAD C2, which is Saab’s command and control system for ground-based air defence. With an effective intercept range of 9 km with its multiple missile launcher, ensures coverage from ground level up to an altitude of 5 km, launching unjammable, laser-guided missiles with a high hit probability. The order includes Mobile Firing Units, Mobile Radar Units, a Command- and Control (C2) System, a training package and the RBS 70 NG trainer. Saab will integrate MSHORAD into Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) manufactured by American company Oshkosh before delivery to the customer. The 3D short range Giraffe 1X provides 360º surveillance coverage at a range of 75 km, generating data to a C2 communication system for swift analysis and action coordination.

Saab MSHORAD missile firing unit on Oshkosh JLTV. (Photo by Saab)
Saab MSHORAD missile firing unit on Oshkosh JLTV. (Photo by Saab)
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