The RBS 70 is a very short-range air defense (VSHORAD) system of Swedish origin, manufactured by Saab. It is distinguished from most MANPADS by its unique laser-beam riding guidance system, which makes it virtually unjammable by conventional countermeasures like flares or chaff. The RBS 70 system consists of a tripod-mounted launcher and a missile in a sealed container. The missile itself does not have a seeker head; instead, it flies along a modulated laser beam that the operator continuously aims at the target. This fire-and-guide approach requires the operator to maintain visual contact with the target until impact. The system can engage a wide range of aerial threats, including fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, and even small unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The latest variants of the RBS 70, such as the RBS 70 NG, feature an integrated thermal imager for night and all-weather operations, as well as an automatic target tracker that simplifies the operator’s task. The missile, particularly the BOLIDE missile variant, has a high subsonic speed, a range of up to 9 km, and an altitude coverage of up to 5 km. Its proximity-fused warhead is packed with tungsten fragments, designed to be highly effective against aerial targets. The RBS 70’s modular design allows it to be easily integrated into various platforms, from ground vehicles to naval vessels.
- Type: Very Short-Range Air Defense (VSHORAD) system
- Guidance: Laser-beam riding, making it unjammable
- Engagement Range: 200 m to 9 km
- Altitude Coverage: Up to 5 km
- Warhead: High-Explosive (HE) fragmentation with tungsten pellets
- Speed: Mach 2 (BOLIDE missile)
- Key Features: All-weather capability, night operation, and a high probability of kill due to its unique guidance system.
