Article Posted on : - Apr 03, 2017

The RBS15 anti-ship missile. A SAAB photo

STOCKHOLM (BNS): Swedish defence major SAAB has signed a contract with the Swedish Defence Material Administration (FMV) for the development and production of a next generation anti-ship missile system in air-launched and ship-launched configurations.

The contract is valued worth SEK3.2 billion (USD 359 million). Delivery of the new missile system will take place between 2017 and 2026, SAAB said in an official statement on March 31.

The new-generation anti-ship missiles will be integrated on the new Gripen E fighters and in the Visby class corvettes.

The new weapon system will combine the proven capabilities of SAAB-built RBS15 anti-ship missile family with new and enhanced capabilities, including combat range, upgraded target seeker, and a lower mass compared to the earlier system.

It will also have the capability to combat a wide spectrum of naval and land-based targets, an all-weather capability and a new design enabling future growth potential, SAAB said.

The RBS15 missile family is being jointly produced by SAAB and Germany's Diehl Defence. Diehl will also partner with SAAB in developing and producing the new generation weapon system.