On July 22, 2025, the Czech Ministry of Defence unveiled a landmark contract with Swedish defence giant Saab, signalling one of the country’s most significant recent investments in military modernization. The agreement, pegged at SEK 1.86 billion (CZK 4.2 billion), will see the delivery of 24 MARS 4×4 armoured vehicles outfitted with Saab’s state-of-the-art RBS 70 NG air defence system to the Czech Army, with deployments scheduled between 2028 and 2030.
A Leap in Modern Battlefield Readiness
At the heart of the procurement is a focus on adaptability and cutting-edge protection. The MARS armored vehicles, produced by Czech firm SVOS Přelouč, will carry stabilized, remotely controlled weapon stations designed to accommodate the RBS 70 NG—a very short-range air defense (VSHORAD) missile system. Each turret will hold three ready-to-fire launchers, giving the Czech Army an agile, mobile solution against evolving aerial threats.
The deal also includes:
- Eight standalone portable RBS 70 NG missile sets
- 80 RBS 70 missiles
- Comprehensive training equipment, spare parts, and personnel training packages17
The systems are destined for the 25th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment, the Czech Army’s primary air defence unit, promising enhanced capabilities for manoeuvre units as well as static sites. Officials describe the purchase as a strategic move to “address modern battlefield and protection needs,” pointing to a world where electronic warfare and combat drone activity are redefining the security calculus.
European Industrial Cooperation and Strategic Alignment
This contract also strengthens European industrial bonds, as Saab, a leader in defence electronics and missile systems, collaborates with local Czech manufacturers for vehicle chassis and turret integration. The procurement follows the Czech Army’s earlier investments in Saab technology, such as tactical training simulators and sighting systems for other ground vehicles, reflecting trust in Swedish defence innovation.
Regional Security Context
Joining other NATO nations with RBS 70 NG deployments, Czechia’s investment is also seen as a significant step in regional interoperability and deterrence. With tensions flaring across Europe and the proliferation of advanced aerial threats, defence planners emphasize that these upgrades are “not only about new vehicles but about resilience and technological parity with allies and adversaries alike”.
Timelines and Next Steps
Deliveries of the armoured vehicles and air defence systems will take place over a two-year window, beginning in 2028. During the interim, extensive training and integration efforts are set to ensure seamless operational readiness of the new platforms.
To conclude, for the Czech Republic, this deal is more than a purchase—it is a signal of intent. As defence priorities across Europe shift toward mobility, automation, and layered protection, Prague’s commitment to Saab’s advanced air defence vehicles marks a decisive step toward a modernized, future-ready army.