The Brazilian Army has contracted Saab to supply RBS 70 very short-range air defence system (VSHORAD).

Valued at SEK105m ($11.65m), the contract covers delivery of an undisclosed number of RBS 70 man-portable launchers.

Other equipment to be supplied under the contract included training simulators, night vision equipment, multispectral camouflage and associated equipment for the weapon's operators and maintainers.

The RBS 70 system is already in service with the Brazilian Army and was part of the protection of the 2016 summer Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Saab stated.

Saab dynamics business area missile systems business unit head Stefan Öberg said: “With this order the Brazilian Army continue to improve their air defence capability.

“The system played a very important role in the protection of the 2016 Olympic Games where it not only protected the games, but also strategic infrastructure.

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"We know that the capabilities and reliability of the system are highly appreciated by the customer.”

Deliveries under the contract are expected to begin this year and continue through to next year.

“The system played a very important role in the protection of the 2016 Olympic Games where it not only protected the games, but also strategic infrastructure."

Saab said that its portfolio of short-range ground-based air defence missile systems comprises RBS 70 and the further enhanced RBS 70 NG.

The RBS 70 NG system is capable of destroying targets within a maximum distance of 8,000m and an altitude of 5,000m.

With all-target capabilities, the system can launch missiles in complex areas, such as urban terrains, and can be operated at day or night in all weather conditions.

To date, 19 countries have procured more than 1,600 RBS 70 systems, including more than 18,000 missiles.


Image: Soldiers operating the RBS 70 very short-range air defence system. Photo: courtesy of Saab.