Saab Clinches Lucrative Contract to Strengthen Canada’s Air Defence

The Swedish multinational company Saab has secured a substantial contract valued at C$227m ($168m) from the Government of Canada. The contract pertains to the provision of the highly esteemed RBS 70 NG short-range air defence system, renowned for its unjammable laser-beam guidance and auto-tracking technology. This system has earned recognition and is currently operational in multiple countries, including Brazil, the Czech Republic, and Latvia.

The delivery of the RBS 70 NG system is scheduled to commence in 2024, symbolizing a significant stride towards the enhancement of Canada’s air defence capabilities and fortification of its preparedness on the global platform. The selection of Saab’s RBS 70 NG resulted from a competitive procurement process, with the Swedish company emerging as the preferred vendor to fulfill Canada’s operational requirement under the Soldier Portable Air Defence System Programme. The system is engineered to furnish air defence support to the Canadian Armed Forces and will contribute to fortifying NATO’s collective defence posture in the region.

In 2022, the Latvian Ministry of Defence also acquired the ground-based RBS 70 NG VSHORAD systems and Giraffe 1X multi-mission radar systems from Saab. A pivotal factor in Saab’s successful bid was its pledge to promote Canadian content through collaboration with local partners and suppliers. The company aims to generate employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth in Canada’s defence industry by establishing a local footprint and engaging with stakeholders in the country.

Micael Johansson, the President and CEO of Saab, expressed his contentment in delivering the RBS 70 NG system, highlighting its pivotal role for nations amidst the prevailing security landscape. This contractual agreement underscores a strategic partnership between Saab and the Government of Canada and embodies Canada’s commitment to enhancing its defence capabilities in response to contemporary security challenges. As geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve, investments in defence technologies such as the RBS 70 NG are imperative for safeguarding Canada’s sovereignty and upholding its national security interests in a rapidly changing world.

This noteworthy development not only underscores Saab’s proficiency in the defence industry but also signifies Canada’s steadfast dedication to fortifying its defence infrastructure to address the evolving global security landscape. The collaboration between the two entities serves as evidence of continued efforts to enhance national security and contribute to the collective defence alliance.