Czech Army prepares to receive MSHORAD air-defence system

The MSHORAD MFU uses the MARS 4×4 armoured vehicle. (SVOS)

The Czech Army's 25th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment in Strakonice is preparing to integrate Mobile Short-Range Air Defence (MSHORAD) systems with RBS 70 NG (New Generation) missiles that the Czech Ministry of Defence ordered from Saab Dynamics on 25 July.

The unit is currently equipped with manportable air-defence system (MANPADS) versions of the RBS 70 and RBS 70 NG, with Tatra offroad trucks used to transport the weapons and crew. The MSHORAD system for the Czech Army uses a Saab remote-controlled weapon station with a triple launcher for guided missiles and an RBS 70 NG targeting/guidance unit capable of operating day or night or in adverse weather conditions with automatic target tracking.

The MARS 4×4 vehicle, developed and manufactured by Czech company SVOS in Přelouč, will serve as the carrier platform. In addition to the crew, the vehicle will carry additional missiles and a tripod mount and related equipment from the MANPADS version. The targeting unit can be removed from the turret and together with the missile be placed on a standard 22 kg tripod for use as a MANPADS, a capability required by the Czech Army.

The SEK1.86 billion (USD195 million) contract covers the purchase of 24 MARS 4×4 wheeled armoured vehicles in mobile fire unit (MFU) configuration with RBS 70 NG turret assemblies. The Czech Republic will also receive eight additional RBS 70 NG portable systems, 80 RBS 70-series missiles, training equipment, spare parts, and personnel training services.