HELSINKI, — Sweden’s Saab has signed a contract with the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command for the delivery of its RBS 70 NG short-range air defence system. The initial order is valued at SEK 1.2 billion.
The agreement also allows Finland to place additional orders in the future for more RBS 70 NG systems, as well as training, spare parts and maintenance equipment.
Finland has operated an earlier version of the RBS 70 since 2008, designated ITO05 and ITO05M by the Finnish Defence Forces. The RBS 70 NG retains the system’s unjammable laser-guided missile and adds an automatic target tracker and built-in night capability. These improvements are intended to increase hit probability and allow operations in a wider range of conditions.
The RBS 70 NG is designed for short-range ground-based air defence and can engage aircraft, helicopters, drones and other aerial threats at ranges of up to nine kilometres.
Finland’s Ministry of Defence had earlier indicated that the procurement was worth approximately €108 million excluding taxes. The package is expected to include firing units, missiles, training equipment and a maintenance system, with full operational capability planned before the end of the 2020s.
Training for regular personnel, conscripts and reservists is planned mainly at the Salpausselkä Air Defence Battalion of the Karelia Brigade.
Görgen Johansson, head of Saab’s Dynamics business area, said: “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.”
The contract continues the long-standing cooperation between Saab and the Finnish Defence Forces involving the RBS 70 family and supports Finland’s efforts to strengthen its ground-based air defence network.
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