On 31 March 2025, Saab signed a framework agreement with the Latvian Ministry of Defense for the delivery of the RBS 70 NG short-range ground-based air defense system. Within this agreement, an initial order valued at SEK 2.1 billion (approximately €194.221.461) was placed. Deliveries are scheduled to take place between 2026 and 2030. The order covers RBS 70 NG firing units, missiles, and trainer systems. Saab stated that this procurement aims to support the Latvian National Armed Forces in enhancing their ability to detect and engage aerial threats.
The RBS 70 NG, launched in 2011, is the latest generation of the Swedish RBS 70 system. It is a man-portable air defense system (MANPADS) designed for short-range air defense (SHORAD) operations. It uses laser beam-riding guidance, which is resistant to jamming. The system features automatic target tracking, a built-in high-resolution thermal imager for day and night operations, and a fully integrated sighting system. The missile system has a maximum effective range of over 9,000 meters and an altitude coverage of up to 5,000 meters. Deployment time is 45 seconds, and reloading takes less than 5 seconds. The BOLIDE missile, introduced in 2003, reaches speeds of Mach 2 and can cover 5 kilometers in 12 seconds. It is equipped with a 1.1 kg warhead containing 3,000 tungsten spheres and a shaped charge, with a proximity fuze offering three selectable detonation modes.