Oshkosh & Saab Integrate MSHORAD Tech for Lithuanian MoD
Saab, a leading defence innovator and manufacturer with major operations all over the world, has received an order from the Lithuanian Ministry of Defence (MoD) for deliveries of Saab’s Mobile Short Range Air Defence (MSHORAD) solution.
The order value is approximately kr1.3 billion (approx. US$123m), with deliveries beginning in 2025-2027.
The order comes as part of an agreed framework between Saab, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and the Lithuanian MoD.
Saab manufactures “critical infrastructure”
This allows Lithuania to place orders for Saab’s mobile short-range air defence missile solution, RBS 70 NG.
The order also includes Mobile Firing Units, Mobile Radar Units, a Command and Control (C2) System and a training package.
“’MSHORAD is designed to ensure the protection of certain facilities, areas and critical infrastructure,” says Lithuania’s Minister of National Defence, Laurynas Kasčiūnas.
“The advantage of this system is mobility, so it is an extremely necessary system that will significantly strengthen the capabilities of the Lithuanian Armed Forces.
“We are currently using the older generation RBS 70 air defence system and Bolide missiles.”
Integrated into the vehicles, MSHORAD is Saab’s mobile air defence solution.
The system consists of the Mobile Radar Unit, based on the Giraffe 1X radar, and the Mobile Firing Unit, based on the RBS 70 NG, all connected with Saab’s GBAD C2.
“We are proud to continue to support the air defence of Lithuania. MSHORAD is our response to the new threats on the battlefield,” adds Görgen Johansson, Head of Saab’s Business Area Dynamics.
“Saab’s wide expertise makes us able to deliver everything from radar and firing units as well as our command- and control system; the result is the most modern and capable mobile short-range air defence solution on the market."
Saab will also integrate MSHORAD into JLTV vehicles, which are manufactured by Oshkosh Defense, a US based company.
Defence manufacturers continue to innovate
In 2022, Oshkosh Defense unveiled the first silent drive hybrid-electric Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), the eJLTV.
It has since offered the US Army the same level of performance and protection as the standard JLTV, with the addition of silent drive, extended silent watch, enhanced fuel economy and increased exportable power.
This enables it to be used in combat and reconnaissance scenarios. It also charges the battery while in use, in only half an hour, eliminating the need for charging infrastructure.
“For many years, we’ve been developing, testing and evolving hybrid-electric variants of our heavy and medium-duty tactical wheeled vehicles,” says John Bryant, Executive Vice President for Oshkosh Corporation and President of Oshkosh Defense.
“Now, with the eJLTV, we’re offering our military customers an affordable way to electrify their light tactical wheeled vehicle fleet without compromising the off-road performance or superior protection necessary in combat operations."
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