Saab launches Bolide 2 missile for RBS 70 short-range air defence

Swedish defence prime Saab has introduced the Bolide 2 missile for its RBS 70 short-range air defence (SHORAD) missile system.

Deliveries are scheduled to commence in 2027, with Saab confirming in a statement on 8 May 2026 that Bolide 2 will serve as the new standard ammunition for the RBS 70 NG system.

The missile features an enlarged warhead, enhanced terminal flight performance, and a modular design intended to support future upgrades. It can be launched from both the current RBS 70 NG and previous RBS 70 platforms.

According to Saab, Bolide 2 continues to use the same unjammable guidance method as earlier RBS 70 missile variants.

The Swedish defence manufacturer has not disclosed the exact operational range of the new missile, but media outlets report it may remain consistent with the original Bolide variant.

The original Bolide missile supports deployment against both airborne and surface targets, featuring a maximum intercept altitude above 5,000 metres (m) and a range from 250m up to 8,000m.

As part of the missile’s development, Bolide 2 has completed a series of successful test firings.

Saab Missile Systems business unit head Stefan Öberg said: “With Bolide 2 we are ready to provide our customers with an even more capable missile, ready to be adapted for any new threats in the sky.

“RBS 70 users can benefit from improvements including a more powerful warhead, whether they are operating in the man-portable role or, as is increasingly common, from a vehicle firing unit.”

In late 2025, Saab secured a Skr3bn ($325m) contract from the Lithuanian Ministry of National Defence for the supply of RBS 70 Bolide air defence missiles. Deliveries are planned between 2028 and 2032.