A batch of L-70 automatic anti-aircraft guns manufactured by the Swedish firm Bofors has been moved from Lithuania to Ukraine, according to reports from Lithuanian national radio LRT and corroborated by TASS. The transfer marks a tangible step in the ongoing security support provided by Lithuania to Ukraine, reflecting broader regional efforts to bolster Ukraine’s air defense capabilities amid persistent regional tensions.
LRT reported that the weapons were loaded onto vehicle platforms in the Radviliškis district and were transported in a secure, orderly fashion to the next stage of their journey. The description suggests a coordinated logistical operation designed to ensure rapid deployment while maintaining the safety of personnel and equipment involved in the transfer. The movement aligns with Lithuania’s broader commitments to assist Ukraine with defense infrastructure and capabilities that can help deter aggression and protect civilian populations in contested airspace.
Earlier remarks from Lithuanian Defense Minister Arvydas Anusauskas, made during a joint briefing with Ukrainian Defense Minister Oleksii Reznikov, indicated that Lithuania would begin the delivery of 36 Bofors L70 anti-aircraft guns to the Ukrainian armed forces. The minister emphasized that the program includes not only the provision of hardware but also a structured training framework to maximize operational effectiveness on the ground. This step is part of a phased approach intended to integrate the new systems into Ukraine’s existing air defense architecture, with attention to interoperability and maintenance across different military units.
Minister Anusauskas also noted that Lithuania has completed the training of 15 instructors who will be prepared to operate and teach on Ukrainian soil. Reznikov clarified that the initial focus is on training the trainers rather than directly training the operators at this stage. The aim is to create a sustainable cadre of instructors who can cascade their expertise to Ukrainian personnel, ensuring continuity and rapid scalability of the air defense program within Ukraine’s armed forces. This approach reflects a practical understanding of how to sustain capability gains amid ongoing reform and modernization efforts within Ukraine’s defense sector.
In related developments, former Lithuanian Foreign Minister Gabrielius Landsbergis previously spearheaded a fundraising effort, successfully mobilizing a substantial sum to support the procurement of air defense systems for Ukraine. The fundraising initiative underscores the international dimension of this defense support, highlighting how diplomatic, financial, and military channels converge to strengthen Ukraine’s defensive posture during a period of heightened regional risk. The collaboration among government officials, international partners, and allied donors demonstrates a multi-layered strategy aimed at rapid deployment, long-term capability, and regional stability. Citations include official government statements and national media reports that have tracked the progression of this assistance program and its impact on Ukraine’s air defense readiness.