Saab Introduces Bolide 2 Missile to Expand the Capabilities of the RBS 70 NG Air Defence System

Saab Introduces Bolide 2 Missile to Expand the Capabilities of the RBS 70 NG Air Defence System

(IN BRIEF) Saab has unveiled the new Bolide 2 missile for the RBS 70 NG short-range air defence system, introducing enhanced performance, a larger warhead, and a modular design intended to support future upgrades. The missile retains the system’s established unjammable guidance technology while improving terminal flight capabilities against evolving airborne threats. Bolide 2 is compatible with both the latest RBS 70 NG systems and previous generations, allowing existing operators to upgrade without replacing their launch platforms. Saab confirmed that deliveries will begin in 2027 and that successful test firings have already been completed as part of the missile’s development program.

(PRESS RELEASE) STOCKHOLM, 8-May-2026 — /EuropaWire/ — Saab has introduced the new Bolide 2 missile for its RBS 70 short-range air defence system, marking the latest enhancement to one of the company’s established ground-based air defence solutions. The new missile is designed to strengthen the operational capabilities of the RBS 70 NG platform by delivering improved terminal flight performance, a larger warhead, and a modular architecture that can support future upgrades as aerial threats continue to evolve.

Bolide 2 maintains the proven unjammable guidance technology that has been a defining feature of previous RBS 70 missile generations. According to Saab, the missile is intended to provide operators with greater effectiveness against modern airborne targets while preserving compatibility across both the latest RBS 70 NG systems and earlier versions already in service. This backward compatibility is expected to allow existing users to integrate the new missile without requiring a complete replacement of current launch infrastructure.

The company stated that deliveries of Bolide 2 are scheduled to begin in 2027, after which the missile will become the standard ammunition for the RBS 70 NG system. Saab has already completed a series of successful test firings during the development phase, demonstrating the missile’s operational readiness and validating its upgraded performance capabilities.

Stefan Öberg, head of Saab’s Missile Systems business unit, said the new missile was developed to provide customers with a more capable and adaptable solution for emerging airborne threats. He noted that the enhanced warhead and improved performance can support operators in both traditional man-portable air defence roles and increasingly common vehicle-mounted deployment configurations.

The launch of Bolide 2 comes as many countries continue to strengthen short-range air defence capabilities amid growing concerns over drones, precision-guided weapons, and other low-altitude aerial threats. Saab’s RBS 70 family has been widely used in both mobile and fixed-position air defence operations, and the introduction of the new missile reflects the company’s broader effort to modernize its air defence portfolio while ensuring compatibility with existing customer systems.

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.

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SOURCE: Saab