Saab has received an order from the Government of Canada for the short-range air defence system RBS 70 NG. The order value is approximately CAD 227 million (SEK 1.8 billion) with deliveries starting during 2024. The order includes all necessary equipment to operate the RBS 70 NG, including firing units, missiles, transport vehicles, training and support. Following a competitive procurement process, Saab’s offer was chosen to meet the urgent operational requirement for Canada’s Soldier Portable Air Defence System Program. Through this programme, Saab will provide long term air defence support to the Canadian Armed Forces, with a specific focus on their Enhanced Forward Presence in Latvia. As part of its offer, Saab has committed to creating Canadian content through its local office and Canada-based partners and suppliers.
“We are pleased to deliver our proven and efficient air defence solution RBS 70 NG, which is a critical capability for nations in the current environment”, says Saab’s President and CEO Micael Johansson.
RBS 70 NG is a short-range air defence system manufactured by Saab. RBS 70 (Robotsystem 70) is a man-portable air-defense system (MANPADS) designed for anti-aircraft warfare in all climate zones and with little to no support from other forces. Originally designed and manufactured by the Swedish defence firm of Bofors Defence (now Saab Bofors Dynamics, since 2000). It uses the RB 70 missile, which is also in use in a number of other Swedish missile systems. It is characterised by its unjammable laser-beam guidance and auto-tracking technology. Saab has RBS 70 NG customers globally, including Brazil, the Czech Republic and Latvia. In 2011, Saab Bofors Dynamics (successor company of Bofors Defence) announced the introduction of the new RBS 70 New Generation (RBS 70 NG).
Saab Bofors Dynamics is a subsidiary of the Saab Group that specializes in military materiel such as missile systems and anti-tank systems. It is located in Karlskoga and Linköping, Sweden. Its corporate heritage goes back to Bofors, a hammer mill, which was founded as a royal state-owned company in 1646. In 1873, this was converted to a modern corporate structure by becoming an “stock company”, in Swedish an aktiebolag, that is a “limited company” or a “corporation”. In 1999, Saab purchased the Celsius Group, by that time the parent owner of Bofors. In September 2000, SAAB sold their Bofors Weapon Systems, which produced the autocannon and tube artillery weapons, to United Defense Industries, while Saab retained their missile interests.
