The Czech company SVOS, in cooperation with Swedish company Saab completed the tests of the modular MARS 4x4 vehicle in the S-330 version, which will serve as a platform for the mobile air defense system of the new generation of Saab: the RBS 70 NG. The cooperation has been running since 2019 and is a contribution to building and building partnerships that can deliver modern short-range air defense systems to meet the needs of all NATO and third-country customers.
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MARS S-330 with Saab RBS 70 NG air defense system (Picture source: Army Recognition)

Suppliers, SVOS and Saab, agreed to cooperate in the integration of the RBS 70 NG weapon system into the Czech armored vehicle MARS. In the second half of last year, MARS was transferred to Sweden for integration and testing of RBS 70 NG. The system then underwent field operational testing and later with the missiles in live operation. The MARS offers a number of benefits for a given purpose, including the possibility of individually adjusting the ground clearance of each wheel separately to achieve the desired firing position. Among other things, MARS offers the largest internal volume in its class and unprecedented ballistic and mine protection based on the manufacturer's long-term experience.

MARS S-330

The armored multipurpose vehicles MARS intended for military and secondly also police use provide protection against pistol and rifle fire as well against the blast of mines and IEDs. The vehicle offers a wide variability of the configuration and installation of a large amount of special equipment. The vehicle is available in 4x4 and 6x6 configurations and, due to very bulky superstructure and high stiffness, is an ideal platform for special modifications such as anti-aircraft defence systems.

The vehicle further offers excellent driving and maneuvering abilities (for example steerable rear axle for operation in confined urban or terrain areas, individually adjustable clearance of each wheel). Although it is an open-top vehicle, it provides a high level of blast protection. Shortly after the concept unveiling the vehicle was selected by Saab for integration of the MSHORAD anti-aircraft defense system and Giraffe 1X 3D surveillance radar system.

The concept of the vehicle is fully designed by SVOS spol. s r.o. It includes several patent-protected solutions.

Saab RBS 70 NG air defense system

The RBS 70 NG is an air defense system designed to protect military forces and critical infrastructure from aerial threats. At its core, the Saab 70 NG employs an integrated network of sensors, radars, and command and control systems. These components work in harmony to provide a comprehensive situational awareness of the airspace, detecting and tracking a wide range of airborne threats such as enemy aircraft, missiles, and drones.

The RBS 70 NG Ground-Based Air Defence (GBAD) system stands out from other systems due to its fully integrated sighting system, innovative operator aids, high-precision range, and unjammable laser guidance. It offers a comprehensive solution to evolving GBAD requirements with its flexibility, scalability, and long-term effectiveness.

One of the key features of the RBS 70 NG is its new-generation sight module. This module incorporates integrated, high-resolution thermal imaging that provides exceptional visibility during both day and night operations. Advanced cueing capabilities are also included to enhance reaction times and improve target acquisition. The system incorporates an auto-tracker, which assists the operator during engagement and significantly increases the hit probability. Furthermore, improved aiming aids are integrated to enhance the overall performance of the system, whether in manual or auto-tracker engagements. Additionally, the RBS 70 NG includes built-in video recording functionality, allowing for after-action review and analysis.

In terms of technical specifications, the RBS 70 NG boasts an effective range of over 9,000 meters, providing an extensive coverage area. It offers altitude coverage from ground level up to 5000 meters, ensuring the capability to engage aerial threats at various altitudes. The system can be rapidly deployed within a short time frame of just 45 seconds, allowing for swift response in critical situations. Reloading time is impressively quick, taking less than 5 seconds for MANPADS (Man-Portable Air-Defense Systems). The RBS 70 NG is also capable of engaging targets with a maximum velocity of Mach 2, ensuring effective interception of fast-moving threats.

Defense News May 2023