The Finnish military has placed an initial order worth 1.2 billion Swedish kronor ($126 million) with Saab for RBS 70 NG man-portable short-range air defense systems.
Under the contract, Finland can also place additional orders for RBS 70 NG systems, training, spare parts, and maintenance equipment in the future.
An upgraded version of the RBS 70 system already in Finnish service, the RBS 70 NG is designated ITO05M by the Finnish Defence Forces.
Deliveries and full operational capability are expected by the end of the decade. Training will be conducted at the Salpausselkä Air Defence Battery within the Karelia Brigade.
“We are proud to continue supporting Finland’s Defence Forces and contributing to keeping the nation’s skies safe. With RBS 70 NG, Finland will receive a state-of-the-art short-range air defence capability to effectively meet evolving aerial threats,” head of Saab’s Dynamics business area Görgen Johansson said.
RBS 70 NG
The Finnish Defence Forces has operated the RBS 70 system since 2008. The RBS 70 NG retains the system’s laser-guided missile while adding an automatic target tracker and night-fighting capability.
Developed by Saab, the RBS 70 NG can engage aircraft, drones, and missiles at ranges of up to 9 kilometers (5.5 miles) and altitudes of up to 5 kilometers (3 miles). Its missile travels at speeds exceeding Mach 2, allowing it to engage fast-moving aerial targets.
The system can be deployed in about 45 seconds and reloaded in less than five seconds. Its laser guidance is resistant to jamming, allowing it to continue engaging targets in electronic warfare environments.
As a man-portable air-defense system, the RBS 70 NG can be deployed with ground forces and repositioned as required.