On Friday, July 3, 2026, Finnish Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen authorized the Defence Forces Logistics Command (Puolustusvoimien logistiikkalaitos) to sign a contract with Sweden’s Saab Defence and Security for the delivery of RBS 70 NG (Robotsystem 70 New Generation) short-range air defense missile systems.
Photo: Saab Defence and Security
The RBS 70 NG missile system is a development of the previous-generation RBS 70 system, which entered service with the Finnish Defence Forces as the Ilmatorjuntaohjus 05 (ITO05), followed by the upgraded ITO05M variant. In August 2002, Finland contracted four ASRAD-R (Advanced Short Range Air Defence System – RBS) batteries in a vehicle-mounted configuration for 120 million EUR, using UNIMOG 5000 chassis for three batteries and Sisu Nasu chassis for one battery, together with Saab HARD 3D radars. Deliveries took place between 2004 and 2008.
“We are developing Finland’s air defense system in a comprehensive manner. Preparing for different threats requires the right and up-to-date tools for each need. This procurement is one part of a broader whole,” Minister of Defence Antti Häkkänen said.
The Salpausselkä Air Defense Battery, part of the Karelia Brigade, will serve as the main training site for personnel and conscripts. The procurement includes new air defense systems, training equipment, and a maintenance system, with a total value of 108 million EUR net. Deliveries are scheduled to be completed by the end of the decade.
The RBS 70 NG uses Bolide missiles, which have a range of more than 9 kilometers and a ceiling of 5,000 meters. These missiles are also effective against armored targets, such as aircraft, helicopters, unmanned aircraft, and even ground targets. Recently, in May this year, Saab introduced the new Bolide 2 missile.
Bolide 2 can be launched from the latest-generation RBS 70 NG systems, earlier-generation launchers, and new MSHORAD systems. As part of the missile’s development, a series of successful test firings has already been carried out.
In recent months, Canada, the NATO Support and Procurement Organisation (NSPA), Latvia, and Argentina have decided to purchase the RBS 70 NG.
In addition to Sweden as the producing country and Finland discussed here, users of the system include Czechia, which operates both the RBS 70 and RBS 70 NG. In 2020, Norway sold its systems to Lithuania, which also decided to acquire the MSHORAD system. The RBS 70 NG was recently offered unsuccessfully to Slovakia, where it lost to Polish Piorun MANPADS, although a contract in that case has not yet been signed but has been announced. The systems have been delivered to more than 21 countries in total, mostly outside NATO, with 1,600 launchers and more than 18,000 missiles supplied.
Suomi hankkii lisää lyhyen kantaman ilmatorjuntaohjusjärjestelmiä Ruotsista.https://t.co/YuKPyZcF5K
— Puolustusministeriö (@DefenceFinland) July 3, 2026
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