Finland has contracted Saab to deliver Bolide short-range missiles for its RBS 70 man-portable air-defense systems.
The deal is valued at 800 million Swedish kronor ($76 million) and will see delivery between 2023 to 2026.
Once delivered, the Bolide missiles will be used to engage aerial drones and armored threats.
“The additional procurement of Bolide missiles is part of the plan to improve the operational readiness and performance of air defense missile systems,” Finnish Defence Minister Antti Kaikkonen said during the procurement’s authorization.
The purchase will be financed through the country’s second supplementary budget for rapidly-launched defense capability procurements.
‘Future-Proof’ Missile
The Bolide is the warhead for the existing Finnish RBS 70 man-portable defense system locally referred to as ITO05 and ITO05M. Both variants have been in service for more than 15 years.
When fired from Saab’s latest RBS, the Bolide missile can reach a maximum velocity of up to Mach 2 (twice the speed of sound).
Meanwhile, the RBS 70 New Generation air defense system has a launch time of 45 seconds. Warheads deployed from the platform can reach an altitude of 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) and a range of 9,000 meters (29,500 feet).
“We are proud to continue contributing to Finland’s air defence capability with our future-proof Bolide missile, which can be used against a wide range of threats,” Saab Dynamics Head Görgen Johansson stated.
Finnish Spike Air Defense Contract
The recent agreement follows a $236 million Spike air defense contract signed by Finland and Israeli defense company Rafael earlier this month.
It involves the delivery of Spike SR long-range and extended-range variants, munitions, spare parts, and associated training to the Finnish military.