Latvia has taken a significant step toward strengthening its national defense by signing a framework agreement with Swedish defense company Saab for the procurement of the RBS 70 NG short-range air defense system. The agreement, announced by Saab, includes an initial order worth SEK 2.1 billion ($210 million), with deliveries scheduled between 2026 and 2030.
The deal aligns with Latvia’s broader efforts to bolster its military capabilities amid growing security concerns in the Baltic region. The RBS 70 NG system, known for its high-precision targeting and resistance to electronic warfare, is expected to enhance Latvia’s ability to detect and neutralize aerial threats, including drones, aircraft, and missiles.
As tensions persist in Eastern Europe, Latvia—a NATO member on the alliance’s eastern flank—has prioritized military modernization to counter potential threats. The purchase of Saab’s RBS 70 NG (Next Generation) system represents a major upgrade to Latvia’s ground-based air defense capabilities.
Görgen Johansson, Head of Saab’s Business Area Dynamics, emphasized the system’s role in bolstering Latvia’s defenses.
“Saab continues to support the Latvian National Armed Forces with a strong ground-based air defence capability, which will significantly enhance its crucial ability to detect and engage aerial threats,” Johansson stated in a company release.
Latvia has been working to modernize its defense forces, particularly in air defense, surveillance, and rapid response capabilities. The acquisition of the RBS 70 NG system reflects a larger regional trend, with NATO members in Eastern Europe investing heavily in military infrastructure.
The RBS 70 NG is the latest iteration of Saab’s man-portable air defense system (MANPADS). Designed to counter both conventional and asymmetric aerial threats, it features:
- An automatic target tracker for increased accuracy
- Integrated night vision for all-weather operation
- High resistance to jamming and deception
- Engagement ranges up to 9 kilometers (5.6 miles)
- Altitude capabilities exceeding 5,000 meters (16,400 feet)
These features make the system a formidable option for defending against drones, low-flying aircraft, and missile threats. Additionally, its laser-guided missiles are immune to radar jamming, giving Latvia a reliable and effective short-range air defense system.
The Growing Importance of Short-Range Air Defense (SHORAD)
Latvia’s decision to invest in the RBS 70 NG aligns with a broader trend among NATO’s eastern European members, who are prioritizing short-range air defense (SHORAD) systems in response to evolving security threats.
Traditional long-range air defense systems, such as the U.S.-made Patriot missile batteries, are designed to intercept high-altitude and long-range threats. However, SHORAD systems like the RBS 70 NG provide a critical second layer of defense, particularly against:
- Drones and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), which have played a growing role in modern conflicts
- Low-flying cruise missiles that evade radar detection
- Helicopters and fast-moving aircraft operating close to the battlefield
Given the increasing use of drones and precision-guided weapons in recent conflicts, Latvia’s decision to enhance its ground-based air defense underscores a shift toward layered defense strategies.
- Compared to other SHORAD systems, the RBS 70 NG offers several advantages, including:
- No reliance on radar, making it harder to detect and jam
- Rapid deployment, as it can be operated by small teams or mounted on vehicles
- Lower cost per shot compared to other missile defense systems
Latvia has been ramping up defense spending in line with NATO’s 2% GDP defense spending target. The country has invested in:
- New armored vehicles and infantry fighting vehicles
- Enhanced surveillance and radar systems
- Stronger partnerships with NATO allies for joint training and military exercises
The RBS 70 NG acquisition is part of Latvia’s broader effort to build a modern, multi-layered defense system capable of responding to aerial, cyber, and hybrid threats.
Latvia’s air defense upgrade comes at a time of heightened tensions in the Baltic region. As a frontline NATO member bordering Russia, Latvia is highly sensitive to military developments in Eastern Europe.
In recent years, NATO has increased its presence in the Baltics, deploying Enhanced Forward Presence (eFP) battlegroups in Latvia, Estonia, and Lithuania. These multinational forces are designed to act as a deterrent against potential aggression.
Latvia is not alone in upgrading its air defense capabilities. Several NATO allies have taken similar steps:
- Lithuania has acquired NASAMS (National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile Systems) from Norway and the U.S.
- Estonia has also been modernizing its air defense, recently announcing plans to buy IRIS-T air defense systems from Germany.
- Poland has made significant investments in Patriot missile batteries and short-range air defense systems.
- These acquisitions demonstrate a coordinated effort among NATO members to strengthen Europe’s air defense network.
The Saab-Latvia deal signals a long-term commitment to regional security. While the initial order covers deliveries through 2030, Latvia could expand its use of the RBS 70 NG with additional orders in the future.
Experts suggest that Latvia may integrate the RBS 70 NG into broader NATO air defense networks, allowing for joint operations and interoperability with other allied forces. The system’s modular design makes it compatible with various platforms, meaning it could be used alongside other NATO air defense assets.
For Saab, the Latvian deal strengthens its position in the European defense market. The company has already supplied the RBS 70 system to over 19 countries, and continued orders from NATO members could further boost its global sales.
Latvia’s $210 million deal with Saab marks a major step in its defense modernization strategy. The RBS 70 NG system will provide a critical boost to Latvia’s air defense, ensuring better protection against modern aerial threats.
Latvia—alongside its NATO allies—continues to invest in military readiness, reinforcing the security of NATO’s eastern flank. The Saab RBS 70 NG system is set to play a key role in this evolving defense landscape, offering a powerful shield against future threats.
