Finland has authorized the procurement of Saab RBS 70 NG man-portable air defense missile systems worth 108 million euros ($123.5 million), strengthening short-range air defense against drones and manned aircraft.
The RBS 70 NG is an upgraded version of the RBS 70 missile system already in service with the Finnish Defence Forces, where it is designated ITO05M.
Deliveries and full operational capability are expected by the end of the decade. The acquisition includes new firing devices, training equipment, and a maintenance system. Training will be conducted at the Salpausselkä Air Defence Battery in the Karelia Brigade.
“We are developing Finland’s air defence system in a broad way,” Finnish Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen said.
“In preparing for various threats, we must have the right and up-to-date equipment for each need. This acquisition is one piece in a large whole.”
RBS 70 NG
Developed by Saab, the RBS 70 NG features an automatic target tracker that improves accuracy and reduces operator workload.
It 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), day or night.
The missile travels at speeds exceeding Mach 2 (2,470 kilometers/1,535 miles per hour), enabling it to intercept high-speed targets. The system can be deployed in 45 seconds and reloaded in under five seconds.
Its unjammable laser guidance improves resilience against electronic warfare, while its reload time enhances reaction speed.
As a man-portable air defense system, it provides forces with flexibility across a range of missions.
