A Lithuanian contract for GROM MANPADS, which strengthens the idea of regional air defense, was won by the Polish firm MESKO S.A. Lithuania has increased its military modernization push with a strong focus on short-range air defense capabilities as regional security concerns persist in the vicinity of NATO’s eastern flank. With the €28 million agreement for GROM missiles, the nation is taking a deliberate step to bolster its deterrent capabilities at the national and regional levels, not just making another purchase. According to the Lithuanian Ministry of Defense, this most recent purchase demonstrates Lithuania’s commitment to closing gaps in its layered air defense system. A man-portable air defense system (MANPADS) designed to defeat low-flying targets like helicopters, drones, and close air support planes is the GROM system, created by Poland’s MESKO S.A. The GROM missile, according to Army Recognition, can reach speeds of up to 650 meters per second by utilizing an infrared homing seeker to lock onto targets and a single-stage 72 mm solid-fuel rocket motor. With a 1.35 kg high-explosive warhead made to accurately eliminate aerial threats, its operational range covers 5.5 km in range and 3.5 km in altitude.
