Saab has launched the new Bolide 2 missile for the RBS 70 short-range air defence missile system. Bolide 2 brings a larger warhead and better terminal flight performance for superior capability, and an improved modular design to allow for future updates. The upgraded version included an improved sighting system automatic target tracking capable of night vision and improved training and after-action review features. Bolide 2 retains the unjammable guidance method used by RBS 70 with its previous missile generations. Deliveries are starting in 2027 and this new missile will become the standard ammunition for RBS 70 NG. Bolide 2 can be fired from the latest RBS 70 NG or prior generations. A series of successful test firings have already been conducted as part of the missile’s development.
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. The RBS 70 is a portable short-range air defence system that uses laser-guided missiles. Mk 1 and Mk 2 followed shortly and are the standard RBS 70 with a range of 5,000–6,000 m and a ceiling of 3,000 m. Currently, RBS 70 is operational in 20 customer countries. It functions in arctic, desert, and tropical environments. In 2003 the “BOLIDE” upgrade system was introduced to the RBS 70.
“With Bolide 2 we are ready to provide our customers with an even more capable missile, ready to be adapted for any new threats in the sky. RBS 70 users can benefit from improvements including a more powerful warhead, whether they are operating in the man-portable role or, as is increasingly common, from a vehicle firing unit,” says Stefan Öberg, head of Saab’s business unit Missile Systems.
Saab AB (originally Svenska Aeroplan Aktiebolaget, The Swedish Aeroplane Corporation’, acronym SAAB), with subsidiaries collectively known as the Saab Group (Swedish: Saabgruppen), is a Swedish aerospace and defence company primarily operating from Sweden. Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring purpose, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 28,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer and more sustainable world. Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations.
