On Monday, February 24, 2025, the Ministry of Defense of the Kingdom of Sweden announced that, in addition to the recently announced 18th military aid package for war-torn Ukraine (January 30, worth 13.5 billion SEK / ca. 1.27 billion USD), it will provide two modern air defense systems worth 1.2 billion SEK (ca. 110 million USD).
Tridon Mk2 / Photo: BAE Systems
As stated, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson’s government intends to soon authorize the Defence Materiel Administration (FMV – Försvarets materielverk) under the Ministry of Defense to procure RBS 70 NG and Tridon Mk2 air defense systems for delivery to Ukraine. In cooperation with other international partners, Sweden will also finance additional air defense system orders to be supplied to Ukraine, including surface-to-air missiles of a type already in use by Ukraine and portable anti-aircraft missile systems of an unspecified type.
“This strengthens Ukraine’s air defence capability and will be a significant addition to Ukraine’s armed forces. It also gives Ukraine the opportunity to test new Swedish defence capabilities on the battlefield,” says Minister for Defence Pål Jonson.
It was emphasized that Sweden’s support for Ukraine will continue as long as necessary. So far, Stockholm’s total aid has exceeded 63.1 billion SEK (5.95 billion USD).
RBS 70 NG / Photo: Saab Defence and Security
RBS 70 NG
The RBS 70 NG (Robotsystem 70 New Generation) short-range air defense system is the latest production version of the system, developed by the Swedish company Saab Defence and Security. It is currently in service in over 21 countries (mostly outside NATO), with a total of 1,600 systems and more than 18,000 missiles delivered.
In recent months, Canada, the NATO Support and Procurement Organisation (NSPA), and Argentina have decided to purchase the RBS 70 NG system. Within NATO, the system is also used by the Czech Republic (RBS 70 and RBS 70 NG), Finland (designated as Ilmatorjuntaohjus 05; ITO05 and ITO05M), Latvia, and Lithuania. In 2020, Norway sold its RBS 70 systems, which were transferred to Lithuania. Recently, RBS 70 NG was unsuccessfully offered to Slovakia, where it lost to the Polish Piorun MANPADS system.
On February 21, the FMV (Swedish Defence Materiel Administration) signed a framework agreement of undisclosed value with the manufacturer for additional deliveries of the RBS 70 NG system.
The Bolide missiles used in the RBS 70 system are launched from a tripod-mounted launcher equipped with the BORC observation and targeting module, replacing the older COND (Clip-On Night Device) night sighting system. The system can operate independently or integrate with air defense radar data.
The Bolide missile is a third-generation short-range surface-to-air missile designed to engage all types of targets. With the Bolide Mk2 variant, the RBS 70 NG system is capable of neutralizing a full spectrum of threats—from fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters to small targets such as cruise missiles and drones, with a range exceeding 9 kilometers and an altitude engagement capability of over 5,000 meters. These missiles are also effective against armored targets, including attack aircraft, assault helicopters, and even ground targets.
Tridon Mk2
Tridon Mk2
The Tridon Mk2 is a new-generation, self-propelled 40mm air defense system, mounted on a Scania Gryphus 6×6 truck chassis. It made its debut at the Eurosatory 2024 exhibition in Paris (a mock-up was also showcased at MSPO 2024).
Based on the combat-proven Bofors 40mm Automatic Gun L/70 and backed by over 90 years of experience, this industry-leading self-propelled system is designed to provide security and protection for both armed forces and civilian infrastructure.
On today’s battlefield, tens of thousands of drones are being shot down each month (as seen in the Russia-Ukraine war), exposing a critical gap in NATO allies’ current air defense capabilities.
The Tridon Mk2 offers a solution to bridge this gap. It is a mobile air defense system distinguished by high precision and the ability to use Bofors 3P programmable ammunition, which serves as the core of the system, enabling it to engage a wide range of aerial and ground threats. The system has an effective range of up to 12 km, depending on the target, selected ammunition, sensor suite, and surrounding terrain.
The modular design allows the system to be mounted on various platforms and fully operated from inside the cabin. This enables rapid deployment in action and quick redeployment to avoid enemy countermeasures. Additionally, it can be offloaded in strategic locations and remotely controlled from a safe distance. Each unit is equipped with its own target detection sensors for day and night operations and an integrated fire control system.
