Czech army tests RBS 70 NG
The Army of the Czech Republic has carried out a life-fire test of Saab’s RBS 70 Next Generation (NG) missile system, with all missile firings successfully hitting their airborne targets, Saab announced on 16 November.
The firing, conducted in late October at the Boletice Military Training Area by the 252nd Air Defence Missile Battalion, allowed the army to assess tactical and technical requirements and verify the system’s ability to be fully integrated with the Czech air defence network.
According to Saab, the firing showed that the RBS 70 NG can be successfully integrated with the Czech air defence system.
The process of integrating the RBS 70 NG with an existing air defence platform saw Saab work closely with original equipment manufacturer of the Czech army’s fire command and control system, combat command post, and the new ‘Revisor’ short range radar sensor – Retia.
Lt Col Jan Suchý, 252nd Air Defence Missile Battalion commander, said: ‘Alongside the lightweight and integrated night sight, one of the major advantages with the new RBS 70 NG is the automatic tracker, which allows the operator to ‘lock on’ to the target automatically. The missile fine aiming is performed automatically by the system, making the engagement very easy for the operator.
‘It is like ‘fire-and-forget’ but proven to be unjammable. Even when the operator is under heavy pressure, it is basically impossible to miss. All our operators were able to successfully hit the flying targets with only a few hours of training.’
Görgen Johansson, head of Saab business area Dynamics, added: ‘This is a very satisfying result for the customer, Saab, Retia and the system itself. This successful firing demonstrates the RBS 70 NG is a modern and highly-flexible ground-based air defence system with world-leading capabilities. It is developed for any combat situation and it is without doubt a battlefield game changer that will provide a critical edge across the spectrum of ground-based air defence.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
Mack Defense receives new contract as push to refresh trucks continues
Mack Defense’s M917A3 Heavy Dump Truck (HDT) builds on a commercial vehicle but comes off a dedicated production line. The deal follows previous orders, including orders for Oshkosh’s Family of Medium Tactical Vehicles, along with other logistics and forward-deployed trucks worldwide.
-
Milrem THeMIS robot tests weapon firing to beyond one kilometre
The Milrem Robotics Tracked Hybrid Modular Infantry System (THeMIS) uncrewed ground vehicle (UGV) has seen extensive service in Ukraine with an additional six ordered for Ukraine in May.
-
JLTV A2 cleared for first export as AM General awaits US Army plans
The AM General’s Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV) A2 is in low-rate initial production (LRIP) as testing of first vehicles continues. Canada is set to become the first export customer and the likely order will mark an important step for the company as it awaits the outcome of the US Army Transformation Initiative (ATI) which has argued for cuts to JLTV.