Lithuania Sends 30 RBS-70 Missiles to Ukraine to Reinforce Air Defense
Lithuania has delivered a shipment of 30 RBS-70 short-range air defense missiles to Ukraine to strengthen protection of critical infrastructure amid ongoing Russian aerial attacks. The transfer was announced during a visit by the Lithuanian defence minister to Kyiv.
VILNIUS / KYIV — Lithuania has transferred a new batch of 30 RBS-70 air defense missiles to Ukraine, aiming to enhance Kyiv’s capability to defend critical infrastructure against aerial threats, according to Lithuanian Defence Minister Robertas Kaunas. The transfer was announced during a ministerial visit to Ukraine on 25 February 2026.
The missiles are intended for use with the RBS-70 short-range air defense system, a Swedish-designed, laser-guided missile platform that fills an operational gap between man-portable systems like Stinger and larger mobile air defence batteries. The system’s laser guidance makes it more resistant to thermal decoys and electronic interference, enabling engagement of low-altitude aircraft, rotary-wing platforms and unmanned aerial systems at ranges of up to about 8 kilometres.
The latest shipment forms part of continuing Lithuanian military assistance to Ukraine, which has focused on air defence as a priority due to persistent Russian missile and drone strikes on urban and critical infrastructure targets. Lithuania has previously supplied Ukraine with air defence equipment, including components of its own short-range and medium-range defence inventory.
Officials in Vilnius have repeatedly emphasized that robust Ukrainian air defence supports broader Euro-Atlantic security by reducing the risk of spillover from the conflict and protecting key civilian and military assets. Lithuania’s assistance aligns with similar contributions from NATO allies aimed at sustaining Ukrainian defensive operations.
