Latvia has ordered an undisclosed number of RBS 70 NG portable air defence launchers and missiles from SAAB, the Swedish weapons manufacturer announced on 31 March 2025. With deliveries planned for the years 2026 to 2030, Latvia pays EUR 190 million for the deal.
The RBS 70 NG system has an automatic target tracker and built-in night vision. It can potentially shoot down aircraft, drones and missiles up to 9 kilometres (5.6 miles), which makes it the last line of defence against an incoming enemy.
The new weapons are to augment the RBS 70 NGs and Polish PPZR Piorun already in Latvian military service. For medium-range air defence, Latvia will receive the German IRIS-T SLM from 2026. | © 2025 Marcel Burger, nordicreporter.com. Featured press photo: the SAAB RBS 70 NG (Photo: SAAB AB)