Sweden has awarded local industry partner Saab a contract to modernize the army’s Robotsystem 15 (RBS15) coastal subsonic anti-ship missile capability.
The 800-million Swedish kronor ($72.3-million) agreement covers the supply of an undisclosed number of the RBS15 sets in its Mark 3 configuration that are all integrated into truck-mounted launchers.
Sweden’s Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) noted that the projectiles will complement the force’s existing RBS15 Mark 2 missiles adopted in 2016.
“With the current global situation, it is important to strengthen naval targeting capabilities with mobile units that can quickly be rebased,” FMV Marine Materiel Surface Weapons Head Ulrika Tode stated.
Saab Dynamics Head Görgen Johansson added that the procurement will amplify the firepower of the Swedish Army by providing “a more advanced target seeker, increased range and a larger warhead.”
“RBS15 is specifically developed for the complex environment and harsh weather conditions of the Baltic Sea,” Johansson said.
Saab’s RBS15 Mark 3 Missile System
The RBS15 Mark 3 measures 4 meters (13 feet) long and has a fuselage diameter of 50 centimeters (2 feet).
It has a wingspan of about 100 centimeters (3 feet) and is equipped with an active radar as well as multiple navigation devices.
The missile weighs 820 kilograms (1,807 pounds) with boosters and approximately 660 kilograms (1,455 pounds) in flight.
The RBS15 has a top speed of Mach 0.9 (1,111 kilometers/691 miles per hour) and a range of over 200 kilometers (124 miles).