In a significant move to bolster its defense capabilities, Latvia has signed a deal with the Swedish defense company, Saab, for the acquisition of advanced missile technology. The framework agreement, valued at around 2.1 billion Swedish kronor (roughly $200 million), includes an initial order for the RBS 70 NG short-range air defense system.
Latvia Strengthens Defense with New Air Defense System
The delivery of these units, along with training systems and missiles, will begin in 2026 and continue until 2030. This deal aims to enhance Latvia’s ability to protect itself against a variety of aerial threats, including aircraft, drones, and missiles, all of which have become growing concerns in the region due to heightened tensions with Russia.
Latvia, a NATO member situated in the Baltic region, shares a border with Russia and has become increasingly vulnerable to potential air threats. This deal with Saab will provide Latvia with a critical defense system, capable of tracking and neutralizing airborne threats at a range of up to 9 kilometers, with advanced features such as automatic target tracking and night vision.
Saab’s Dynamics business head, Görgen Johansson, emphasized the importance of this upgrade in helping Latvia address the aerial threats posed by Russia, which has increased its military activities near the Baltic region in recent years.
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Geopolitical Tensions Fuel Latvia’s Defense Spending
The RBS 70 NG air defense system comes at a time when geopolitical tensions between Russia and NATO countries are at a high. Latvia, which has been a member of NATO since 2004, is strategically positioned close to Russia’s heavily militarized exclave, Kaliningrad.
This has made Latvia particularly sensitive to the growing presence of Russian military forces in the region. In 2023, NATO was forced to scramble jets 150 times to intercept Russian aircraft approaching Baltic airspace, underlining the urgency of improving air defense systems.
In response to these growing threats, Latvia has dramatically increased its defense spending. In 2024, Latvia’s defense budget reached 2.4% of its GDP, surpassing NATO’s required 2% benchmark. The government has been keen on modernizing its defense infrastructure, including the purchase of advanced weaponry like the RBS 70 NG system.
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Latvia’s commitment to strengthening its military forces reflects the rising concerns about Russia’s actions, including large-scale military exercises and airspace violations, which have heightened tensions in the region.
The timing of this deal also reflects the ongoing war in Ukraine, which has shown how effective air defense systems are in protecting against missile and drone attacks. The situation in Ukraine, where drones and missiles have been used extensively in the conflict, has underscored the need for countries like Latvia to enhance their defense capabilities.
Latvia’s defense ministers have made clear that their country must be prepared for any potential escalation in the region, and the RBS 70 NG is a key part of that preparation.
RBS 70 NG: The Tech Behind the System
The RBS 70 NG, developed by Saab, is an advanced man-portable air defense system (MANPADS) designed to target low-flying aircraft, helicopters, and drones. An upgrade from the original RBS 70, introduced in the 1970s, the RBS 70 NG uses laser beam-riding guidance instead of infrared sensors, making it more resistant to countermeasures like flares or electronic jamming.
With a range of 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) and the ability to target threats up to 5,000 meters (16,400 feet) high, the system is effective against low-altitude targets, such as drones. It also features thermal imaging sights for night and low-visibility operations, essential for Latvia’s harsh environmental conditions. The Bolide missile, capable of speeds over Mach 2, uses a proximity fuse for better interception chances.
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Compared to systems like the U.S. Stinger (8-kilometer range) or Russia’s 9K38 Igla-S, the RBS 70 NG offers a longer range and greater resistance to jamming. Latvia has used earlier RBS 70 versions since 2004, and the NG upgrade represents a major leap in both range and technology.
This deal is crucial for Latvia’s defense strategy amid rising tensions with Russia, especially with the increasing use of drones and hybrid warfare tactics. The RBS 70 NG strengthens Latvia’s air defense capabilities and reflects the broader European trend of diversifying defense procurement with Saab’s innovative solutions.
