The Republic of Latvia’s Ministry of Defence has awarded a contract to Saab for the delivery of RBS 70 missiles during the period of 2015-2016.
The missiles have been ordered as part of the country’s plan to further boost its air defence capabilities.
The new order will cover the delivery of missiles, training and associated equipment plus an option for additional orders.
Saab Nordic and Baltic market area head Anna Fröjd said: "We are very pleased that Latvia has decided to place further orders for RBS 70 missiles.
"It demonstrates Latvia’s trust in the RBS 70 system, as well as the high quality of our manufacturing and support capabilities."
The RBS 70 is an air-defence system designed for anti-aircraft warfare and for protection of mobile units in all climate zones.
According to Saab, the RBS 70 system has an impressive track-record on the market since the company has delivered more than 1,600 launchers and over 17,000 missiles delivered to nineteen countries.
Latvia is using RBS 70 system since 2004.
Latvian Minister of Defence Raimonds Bergmanis said: "Anti-missile defence is one of our main and strategic priorities in order to strengthen Latvia`s defence and security.
"The agreement between Saab and the Ministry of Defence of Republic of Latvia will demonstrate excellent cooperation between Sweden and Latvia which builds trust and confidence with regard to the security in the region."
Recently, Latvia signed a contract with Lockheed Martin for the delivery of three TPS-77 multi-role radars (MRR) in a bid to expand the country’s radar assets to strengthen air surveillance.
Designed for ultra-low power consumption, the radar’s multi-role single scan technology offers the operators with an option to select specific roles for the radar, including long-range or medium-range low-level flight surveillance.
Image: Soldiers using the Saab-built RBS 70. Photo: courtesy of Saab AB.
