NATO orders RBS 70 surface-to-air missiles
Seven European countries use RBS 70 and NATO has ordered more. (Image: Saab)
The RBS 70 missile was produced to meet the requirements of the Swedish Army’s short-range air defence needs. The missile was the first weapon of its type to employ laser beam-riding guidance instead of the IR homing guidance system.
NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) has ordered RBS 70 surface-to-air missiles from Saab under a contract worth SEK350 million (US$35 million) and deliveries will be expected in 2027.
RBS 70 systems have been in service with more than 19 countries with 1,600 systems and 18,000 missiles delivered to date.
The Bolide missile is the third generation, all-target, short-range air defence missile from Saab.
With the Bolide missile, the RBS 70 system can target a complete threat spectrum: from fixed and rotary wing aircraft, down to small targets such as cruise missiles and UAVs, with a range of more than 9km and an altitude coverage in excess of 5,000m.
In October 2022 the Lithuanian Defence Materiel Agency signed a four-year contract with Saab for additional RBS 70 air defence missiles under a deal which would allow the customer to place orders for RBS 70 missiles until 2026.
An initial purchase under the new contract has been placed worth SEK350 million ($32 million) and deliveries will take place from 2023–24.
In August 2018 Saab received two orders from the Lithuanian Ministry of Defence for improved missiles and BORC night-capable sights for the RBS 70 system. The order value amounted to approximately $10.9 million and deliveries began in 2019.
More from Land Warfare
-
![UK artillery factory opens as defence review inches forward]()
UK artillery factory opens as defence review inches forward
The new artillery and howitzer factory pre-dates the emphasis on this capability from this month’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR). The first joint industry-government meeting outlined in the review took place this week.
-
![Refresh of Romanian army vehicles speeds up]()
Refresh of Romanian army vehicles speeds up
Romania received its first Cobra MkII 4×4 light tactical armoured vehicles, ordered Abrams main battle tanks (MBTs) and VAMTAC light vehicles, and is set to invest billions-of-dollars in infantry fighting vehicles.
-
![Italy begins hunt for Puma replacement]()
Italy begins hunt for Puma replacement
The Italian Army operates Pumas in 6×6 and 4×4 configurations but the platforms are ageing and numbers have fallen with obsolescence also being an issue. Any replacement is likely to have a focus on the involvement of local industry.
-
![Orders roll in for VAMTAC tactical vehicles as first is delivered to New Zealand]()
Orders roll in for VAMTAC tactical vehicles as first is delivered to New Zealand
The VAMTAC (Vehículo de Alta Movilidad Táctico or High Mobility Tactical Vehicle) 4×4 by Urovesa is in service with or has been ordered by eight countries, the most recent being Spain this month and Romania last month.
-
![Precision Strike Missile engine successfully tested from M270A2 launcher]()
Precision Strike Missile engine successfully tested from M270A2 launcher
Lockheed Martin’s Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) is a next-generation surface-to-surface missile with the solid rocket motor (SRM) provided by Northrop Grumman. The company is working to boost its SRM production capability.
-
![CV90 user group signs agreement to improve procurement and commonality]()
CV90 user group signs agreement to improve procurement and commonality
The CV90 is in service with or ordered by ten countries. The agreement between six of these countries is designed to create commonality to provide economies of scale and a reduced training burden.
