Polish defense firm MESKO S.A. has finalized a €28 million contract with Lithuania for the supply of GROM man-portable air defense systems (MANPADS). The deal supports Lithuania’s broader efforts to bolster short-range air defense capabilities, particularly amid growing security concerns on NATO’s eastern flank.
This procurement is part of Lithuania’s ongoing military modernization strategy, specifically aimed at strengthening its layered air defense network. According to the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense, the acquisition is not merely transactional but a strategic enhancement of national and regional deterrence measures.
The GROM system, produced by MESKO S.A., is designed to engage low-altitude aerial threats, including helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and close air support aircraft. The missile is equipped with a single-stage 72 mm solid-fuel rocket motor and features an infrared homing seeker, enabling it to track and engage heat-emitting targets with high accuracy.
With a maximum range of 5.5 kilometers and a ceiling of 3.5 kilometers, the GROM missile delivers a 1.35 kg high-explosive warhead, ensuring effective neutralization of air-based threats. The system’s portability and precision make it a valuable addition to Lithuania’s tactical defense posture.
