Saab to Begin Delivering New Missile Variant for RBS 70 Air Defence System in 2027

Why It Matters

The upgrade boosts the lethality and versatility of a widely deployed air‑defence system, strengthening NATO and partner nations’ ability to counter drones and low‑altitude threats. Early delivery positions Saab ahead of competing missile upgrades in a market hungry for modernized CUAS solutions.

Key Takeaways

• Bolide 2 missile features larger warhead and aluminum nose cone
• Deliveries begin Q2 2027 after successful test firings
• RBS 70 deployed in over 25 nations for layered air defense
• New missile improves counter‑UAS performance for existing customers
• Pre‑production slated before 2027, signaling early market entry

Pulse Analysis

The RBS 70 family has been a cornerstone of short‑range air‑defence for three decades, offering a laser‑guided, fire‑and‑forget solution that can be operated by a single soldier or mounted on vehicles. Its simplicity, low logistical footprint, and proven reliability have secured contracts with more than 25 countries, many of which integrate the system into multi‑layered air‑defence architectures to protect critical infrastructure and forward operating bases.

Saab’s Bolide 2 missile builds on that legacy by enlarging the warhead and swapping the traditional copper nose cone for a lightweight aluminum version. The redesign frees up internal volume, enabling a higher explosive charge and a richer fragmentation pattern, which translates into greater kill probability against fast‑moving aircraft, helicopters, and especially small unmanned aerial systems. The missile retains the RBS 70’s laser guidance, preserving its resistance to electronic counter‑measures while delivering a noticeable boost in lethality.

From a market perspective, the 2027 delivery timeline gives Saab a strategic head start as defense ministries worldwide accelerate procurement of counter‑UAS capabilities. The upgrade aligns with NATO’s push for resilient, low‑cost solutions that can be fielded quickly in contested environments. By offering a drop‑in enhancement for an already‑operational platform, Saab reduces integration risk for customers and opens a revenue stream that could extend the service life of the RBS 70 fleet well into the 2030s.