RBS 70 NG is a short range air defence system produce by Saab. 19 nations use it and more than 1,600 systems have been sold world wide. The above image shows it being used as part of a three man team. It can also be connected into a broader system with radar support. Another popular option is to mount a three canister mobile platform on to any kind of light armoured vehicle.
Integrated sighting allows a thermal imager for tracking which can also be connected into radar support networks. The RBS 70 uses an unjammable rear guided laser riding target acquisition system. It uses the BOLIDE missile with a max velocity of Mach 2. It uses a fragmented warhead for targets such as attack helicopters and low flying aircraft.
Range is 8,000m and altitude of 5,000m with a deployment time of as little as 30 seconds.
The shelf life of the BOLIDE missile is over 30 years.
Canada at present has no anti-air missile support for its ground troops for protection from attack helicopters or close air support. With the new threat of drones proliferating in all combat situations, Canada needs to protect its troops from these growing threats. I believe we have the only army that has no MANPADS or short range missiles to protect armour and troops. When Canada deployed 540 soldiers leading a NATO enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group in Latvia we had to have someone else to supply all of our air defenses (except for our radar system that would warn of an incoming attack… always nice to know somebody is about to kill you). Maybe it is time for Canada to stand on its own two feet and be able to defend itself when deployed.
image sources
- Australian_RBS-70_team_during_Exercise_Talisman_Sabre_21: US Marine Corps. Cpl A. Alyssa | Public Domain