Saab secures $261M deal with Latvia for advanced defence systems
The Swedish corporation Saab has signed an agreement with the Latvian Ministry of Defence for the delivery of RBS-70 NG air defence systems valued at approximately 261 million CAD. Here’s what the ordered solution from Scandinavia is capable of.
The contract value for the RBS-70 NG system is approximately 261 million CAD, with deliveries scheduled between 2026 and 2030. The agreement includes not only the launchers but also missile stockpiles and a training package.
RBS-70 NG — an advanced version of unique Swedish weaponry
The RBS-70 system has its origins in the 1970s when the Swedish defence industry, acting as the guardian of the country's neutrality, independently developed an effective solution. After years of intensive work, the system was introduced in 1979.
The Swedish system is distinguished by its laser guidance system, which sets it apart from other systems that use sensors operating in the infrared or ultraviolet spectrum. While this is not an ideal option for anti-aircraft weaponry, it does have its advantages.
The biggest advantage of this guidance method is its resistance to electronic warfare systems and countermeasures such as flares, while maintaining low production costs. However, the downside is the requirement for continuous guidance of the missile to the target until impact, which can be challenging with fast-moving objects. Additionally, the laser beam can be detected by the target's defence systems.
It is worth noting, however, that the Swedes developed a system to aid in tracking the target, greatly easing the task of aiming at fast-moving objects. Additionally, the operator has access to a sight with a thermal imaging camera.
RBS-70 NG - not just a threat to aviation
A plus of the RBS-70 NG system is its ability to attack ground targets such as armoured personnel carriers, which is not possible with most current anti-aircraft missiles.
This is made possible by the warhead weighing about 1.1 kg, which is a shaped charge and fragmentation construction capable of also penetrating the armour of armoured vehicles. It may be too weak for tanks, but it is sufficient for lighter vehicles, providing extensive usage possibilities.
This system is part of a missile reaching speeds of approximately Mach 2, capable of engaging targets at a distance of up to 10 kilometres and an altitude of up to 5 kilometres. The system is used by various countries, including Canada, Lithuania, and Ukraine, and already has a few recorded shootdowns of modern Russian Ka-52 Alligator helicopters.
