Saab has announced the RBS15 Gungnir next-generation anti-ship missile system that is being shown at Farnborough 2018 for the first time.

The new system continues the tradition of robust and autonomous all-weather capability of the RBS15 missile family but utilising a design that claims to unlock a new level of future growth potential.

“RBS15 Gungnir is offered in both air-launched and surface-launched configurations that offer greatly improved capabilities, compared to other missile systems on the market. With an improved range to more than 300km and highly advanced target seeker, it gives the capability to engage any target, in all conditions,” says Görgen Johansson, Senior Vice President and head of Saab business area Dynamics.

Whilst RBS15 Mk3 delivers the capabilities that forces require today, the RBS15 Gungnir also integrates with pre-existing RBS15 infrastructure to fulfil tomorrow’s defence requirements. The system is backwards compatible, so an investment in Mk3 today opens a smooth path to transition into Gungnir tomorrow.

The next-generation version of the RBS15 development and production programme was first contracted in March 2017 with the Swedish Defence Material Administration (FMV). That SEK3.2bn contract provided for deliveries during the period 2017-2026. Additional production of missiles was contracted with FMV in April 2017 for SEK500m, with deliveries to begin in the mid-2020s.

The RBS15 missile family is jointly produced by Saab and Diehl Defence GmbH & Co. KG and serves with various navies, coastal batteries and air forces from Sweden, Finland, Germany, Poland, Croatia, Thailand and an undisclosed country.

The name Gungnir is from Scandinavian mythology and refers to the Norse god Odin’s spear which never missed its target. RBS15 Gungnir is the system level name whilst in the air-launched configuration the missile is called the RBS15 Mk4 Air.