SAAAB’s RBS-70NG (Next Generation) surface-to-air missile

SAAB will handle the main part of production and delivery of air defence systems for VSHORAD (Very Short Range Air Defence Systems) and SRSAM (Short-range surface-to-air missile) programs to India

Swedish defence manufacturer SAAB Group has said that it is ready to start making its very-short-range air-defence (VSHORAD) system in India. The company is in touch with more than 100 companies in India for local supplies of the product and working on testing with many of them, said senior officials from the company.

SAAB, in partnership with a local partner, will discuss possibilities to offer solutions to bring required design and manufacturing capabilities of the missile system. A collaboration will combine the technical and product excellence of SAAB, along with the industrial engineering, system integration and mega project execution capabilities of the Indian partner with the intention to manufacture defence systems locally in India. NATO has already inducted the very short range defence system in its armoury.

“We are committed to the India-Sweden relationship and in bringing the latest technology and skills to India,” says Håkan Buskhe, President and CEO of SAAB AB.

The company is focusing on Make In India, as it offers a larger market than what Sweden offers. Over a period of time, it would make its missiles in India. The company has been in contact with companies in India for the production of printed circuit boards, mechanical details, harnesses, and also explosives and propellants.

This is needed for the VSHORAD project but also for other parts of SAAB, as it is looking for good, qualified suppliers. It is also working towards satisfying the 30-percent offset requirements for the project through a range of avenues including investments and companies.

SAAB’s RBS 70 NG VSHORAD system has been developed for the most demanding air defence combat situations. Its integrated sighting solution, enhanced missile operator aids and unjammable laser guidance combine to produce a system with world-leading capabilities. The BAMSE SRSAM system is an all-weather operational automatic command-to-line-of-sight missile system with unjammable missile guidance.

The intended collaboration would include Gripen for India. Gripen would be offered as the best solution for India’s recently unveiled fighter aircraft program. The collaboration would also include projects, programs and technologies of national importance to India.

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