Sweden has announced another package of support for Ukraine, following hot on the heels of Canada’s additional support announced this week and last week’s support from the UK and the EU.
The RBS 70 was developed in the 1970s to meet the Swedish Army’s requirement for a low-cost, easy-to-use MANPADS which could function in extreme climatic conditions. In 2011, Saab unveiled the RBS 70 Next Generation (NG), the first weapon of its type to employ laser beam-riding guidance.
Lithuania has signed an agreement to join Sweden’s short-range air-defence procurement and discussed Sweden’s future involvement in operations when the Nordic country joins NATO and possible demining operations in Ukraine.
The RBS 70 missile was produced to meet the requirements of the Swedish Army’s short-range air defence needs. The missile was the first weapon of its type to employ laser beam-riding guidance instead of the IR homing guidance system.
The Ukrainians seem to have extended their air-defenses over the leading brigades. On Thursday, Ukrainian troops shot down two Russian attack helicopters.