Saab has unveiled the Bolide 2 missile, an upgraded interceptor for the RBS 70 NG short-range air defense system, designed with improved counter-drone performance.
The new missile incorporates a larger warhead, enhanced terminal maneuverability, and a modular architecture that allows future capability upgrades. Bolide 2 continues to use Saab’s laser beam-riding guidance technology, which offers strong resistance against electronic jamming.
According to reports, the missile maintains the original Bolide’s engagement envelope of 9 kilometers (5.6 miles) in range and 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) in altitude. A newly integrated inertial navigation unit, however, significantly improves effectiveness against small and high-altitude threats such as reconnaissance drones.
Bolide 2 is set to become the standard missile for the RBS 70 NG while remaining backward compatible with earlier RBS 70 variants. Saab began development of the interceptor around 4.5 years ago and has already completed multiple development trials, with deliveries expected to start in 2027.
The upgraded warhead reportedly contains 50 percent more explosive material and 40 percent more fragmentation without increasing the missile’s overall weight. The denser fragmentation pattern is intended to improve lethality against small drones, while additional laser-based proximity fuze sensors enhance target acquisition and detection.
The missile also replaces the original copper-shaped charge with an aluminum-based design, providing improved penetration performance against targets.
