The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) has procured the Saab RBS 70 NG MANPADS as part of its air defence renewal efforts. The announcement was made by the RSAF chief, Maj Gen Kelvin Khong, in a Singapore Airshow interview.
The RSAF’s Divisional Air Defence Group (DAG) has been operating the RBS 70 since 1980, but it was upgraded with the Bolide missile in 2011. However, weighing 35kg, it required another person to carry the 15kg clip-on thermal sights.
The NG’s integrated digital sights with thermal function bring a reduced weight of 25kg, which will be welcomed by RSAF personnel as they usually deploy these MANPADS on buildings in various air defence scenarios. The mount, incompatible with older sights, is also the interface for the IFF and tracking radar.
The digital system means that commanders can share the operator’s view of the target, enabling better decision-making, especially in peacetime scenarios.
Per Uggla, Saab’s director of technical sales, missiles, told Shephard that the NG’s external tracking function enables the missile to utilise its full range of 9km (instead of 8km) as minute thumb movements during manual tracking means the missile readjusts itself and loses energy faster.
Uggla added that it only requires a ‘couple of days’ to transit current operators to the NG.
Of interest is how the RSAF will motorise the RBS 70 NG, with the incumbent V-200 already slated for retirement. A new possibility is URO VAMTAC 4x4 vehicles, but the back-blast safety radius of 60° and 2m mean the driver’s cab would be in the way unless the firing mount is raised.
Another option is the Renault Higuard 6x6 protected vehicle, mounted on the armoured roof. The NG’s power source can also be drawn from vehicles.
Khong added the RSAF is currently evaluating other systems for the DAG, these likely to replace the M113 Mechanised Igla system.
(Shephard)