Saab has unveiled the Bolide 2 missile, an upgraded interceptor for the RBS 70 NG short-range air defense system optimized for modern anti-drone warfare. The missile retains the laser beam-riding guidance architecture of earlier Bolide variants, maintaining strong resistance against jamming while preserving the system’s engagement envelope of 9 kilometers in range and 5 kilometers in altitude. Bolide 2 introduces an inertial navigation unit to improve engagement accuracy against small, high-altitude reconnaissance drones and maneuvering aerial targets. The missile also features a larger warhead with 50 percent greater explosive mass and 40 percent more fragmentation while retaining overall weight characteristics. Saab has further improved lethality through denser fragmentation patterns, expanded laser proximity fuze coverage, and a new aluminum-shaped charge optimized for target penetration. Development began approximately 4.5 years ago, with deliveries expected to commence in 2027.
