The Latvian Ministry of Defence has taken a significant step in enhancing the country’s air defense capabilities by entering into a framework agreement with Saab for the supply of a state-of-the-art air defense system. The agreement centers on the procurement of Saab’s short-range, ground-based RBS 70 NG system, which is valued at approximately 2.1 billion Swedish kronor, equivalent to about $209 million.
As part of this deal, Saab will provide a comprehensive package that includes firing units, trainer units, and missiles. The deliveries are planned to occur in phases between 2026 and 2030, marking a crucial expansion of Latvia’s military infrastructure. Görgen Johansson, senior vice president and head of Business Area Dynamics at Saab, emphasized the importance of this acquisition: “Saab continues to support the Latvian National Armed Forces with a strong ground-based air defence capability which will significantly enhance its crucial ability to detect and engage aerial threats.”
The timing of this deal is particularly relevant given Latvia’s geographic proximity to Russia, enhancing the country’s national security posture amid regional tensions. This acquisition is viewed not only as a bolstering of Latvia’s own defenses but also as a reinforcement of NATO’s eastern flank in the face of evolving military challenges.
The RBS 70 NG system boasts advanced capabilities designed to counter aerial threats effectively. It is capable of neutralizing adversarial aircraft, uncrewed aerial vehicles, and missiles from distances of up to 9 kilometers (5.5 miles), making it a versatile asset for the Latvian armed forces. Additionally, the system’s features include an automatic target tracker and a remarkably quick reload time of under five seconds, which enhances both accuracy and responsiveness during operations. Its design as a Man-Portable Air Defense System (MANPADS) provides Latvian forces with operational flexibility across a wide range of mission profiles. Furthermore, the unjammable laser guidance system ensures operational effectiveness against electronic warfare tactics.
Earlier this year, Sweden also announced a military aid package that included the RBS 70 NG, indicating a broader strategy among Nordic countries to enhance regional defense cooperation, particularly in light of ongoing security concerns in Eastern Europe. This collaboration reflects an increasing emphasis on building robust defense capabilities among NATO allies to deter potential threats in the region.
