Czech Republic orders 24 MARS vehicles with RBS 70 NG missiles for air defense modernization.

According to information published by the Czech Ministry of Defense on July 22, 2025, Lubor Koudelka, Chief Director of the Czech Armament and Acquisitions Section, and Johan Stjärnlöv, Director of Sales and Marketing at Swedish defense company SAAB Dynamics AB, officially signed a contract for the delivery of 24 MARS wheeled armored vehicles integrated with the RBS 70 NG very short-range air defense (VSHORAD) system. The vehicles will feature a remote-controlled turret station developed by the Czech defense manufacturer SVOS Přelouč and will be deployed by the 25th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment between 2028 and 2030.
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MARS 4x4 armored vehicle armed with RBS 70 NG surface-to-air missiles selected as new mobile air defense platform for the Czech Republic (Picture source: Czech Republic MoD)

The new air defense system for the Czech army is based on the 4x4 MARS armored vehicle manufactured by the Czech Company SVOS equipped with a stabilized and remotely operated weapon station mounting three ready-to-fire launchers, each carrying one RBS 70 NG surface-to-air missile designed and manufactured by the Swedish Company SAAB. This configuration significantly enhances the vehicle’s responsiveness and engagement capability while keeping the operator under full armor protection.

The RBS 70 NG system is designed to counter modern aerial threats including UAVs, rotary-wing and fixed-wing aircraft, and cruise missiles within a range of up to 9 kilometers and at altitudes reaching 5,000 meters. Its laser beam riding guidance is immune to jamming and flares, ensuring reliable target engagement even in environments saturated with electronic warfare. The integrated auto-tracking functionality and advanced thermal imaging allow for accurate day and night operations, while the system’s modularity supports rapid deployment and flexible integration on various platforms. The vehicle-mounted configuration transforms the traditionally static air defense role into a mobile, protected solution ideal for maneuver units operating in high-threat zones.

Lubor Koudelka, Chief Director of the Czech Armament and Acquisitions, emphasized that the acquisition strengthens the Army’s ground-based air defense capabilities and meets NATO's expectations for enhanced alliance-wide integrated air and missile defense. By mounting the RBS 70 NG system on the 4x4 MARS chassis with armored protection and a stabilized turret mount, the Czech Army ensures that anti-aircraft teams are no longer exposed while operating their launchers, as was the case with previous dismounted variants. The integration marks a significant leap in survivability and tactical deployment.

Colonel Jaroslav Daverný, commander of the 25th Anti-Aircraft Regiment of te Czech Armed Forces, stated that modern battlefield dynamics demand not only precision and firepower but also rapid maneuverability and crew protection. The MARS-RBS 70 NG combination directly responds to these requirements, offering a potent and mobile air defense asset tailored to support front-line units against low-flying threats, including drones, helicopters, and fixed-wing aircraft.

In addition to the vehicle-mounted systems, the contract includes eight standalone RBS 70 NG launchers, 80 missile rounds, and a comprehensive package covering operator and maintenance training, spare parts, simulation and training tools, and support equipment. The Czech anti-aircraft forces, currently operating 16 legacy RBS 70 and 16 RBS 70 NG units in dismounted form, will see a major expansion in capability with this acquisition.

The MARS (Modular Armored Reconnaissance and Security) vehicle is a 4x4 multipurpose armored platform developed by SVOS to meet the operational requirements of modern military forces. Designed for modularity and high protection levels, the MARS offers STANAG Level 3 ballistic protection and can be configured for various mission roles including reconnaissance, command and control, and weapons integration. Its compact size, mine-resistant construction, and off-road mobility make it ideal for rapid deployment and survivable operations in high-threat environments. The variant selected for this contract will be equipped with a specialized turret module to carry and operate the RBS 70 NG air defense system.

The RBS 70 NG (New Generation) is a laser-guided very short-range air defense system developed by SAAB Dynamics. It provides day and night all-weather engagement capability against low-flying threats such as UAVs, helicopters, and aircraft up to a range of 9 kilometers and an altitude of 5,000 meters. The NG version features an advanced auto-tracker, integrated thermal sight, and enhanced operator ergonomics. Unlike radar-guided systems, it is highly resistant to electronic countermeasures and remains undetected until the missile is launched. The system offers pinpoint accuracy and lethality through its Bolide missile, which features a high-fragmentation warhead optimized to destroy a wide spectrum of aerial targets, including fast-moving and small-profile threats.

The total value of the contract is 1.86 billion Swedish crowns, equivalent to approximately 4.2 billion Czech koruna, around €360 million euros.

This landmark acquisition reflects the Czech Republic’s strategic intent to modernize its ground-based air defense forces and increase their interoperability with NATO allies. By integrating advanced VSHORAD technology into a highly mobile and protected vehicle platform, the Czech Army is preparing for the evolving demands of modern warfare where agility, protection, and rapid response to aerial threats are critical to battlefield success.