LINKOPING, Sweden, Oct. 22 (UPI) -- Latvia has ordered an undisclosed number of RBS 70 air defense missiles from Saab, together with training services and associated equipment.

Saab, which did not disclose the monetary value of the man portable missiles, said deliveries to the Baltic state will take place this year and next.


"We are very pleased that Latvia has decided to place further orders for RBS 70 missiles," said Anna Fröjd, head of Saab's Nordic and Baltic market area. "It demonstrates Latvia's trust in the RBS 70 system, as well as the high quality of our manufacturing and support capabilities.

"The RBS 70 is a modern system with a long lifespan. We can see that an increasing number of customers are taking advantage of its flexible design, which allows for the system to be continuously upgraded and adapted to evolving needs."

Latvia first procured the short-range RBS 70 in 2004 when it joined NATO.

"Anti-missile defense is one of our main and strategic priority in order to strengthen Latvia's defense and security," said Latvian Minister of Defense Raimonds Bergmanis. "The agreement between Saab and the Ministry of Defence of Republic of Latvia will demonstrate excellent cooperation between Sweden and Latvia which builds trust and confidence with regard to the security in the region. "