IDET 2025: Czech MoD approves acquisition of 24 MARS 4×4s armed with RBS 70 NG

On 29 May 2025 the Czech Ministry of Defence (MoD) approved the acquisition of 24 MARS (Multi-role ARmored System) 4×4 armoured vehicles armed with an integrated RBS 70 NG air defence system.

The contract will also include the purchase of eight additional regular tripod-mounted RBS 70 NG launchers (ie one battery’s worth) along with 80 BOLIDE missiles, training equipment, spare parts, nd maintenance and repair equipment as well as personnel training. The MoD plans to sign the contract with Saab    Dynamics in July 2025, with the deal valued at SEK 1.86 billion (EUR 170 million) excluding VAT. Czech vehicle manufacturer SVOS will act as a subcontractor to the Swedish company.

The new armament will be introduced into the inventory of the Army of the Czech Republic’s 25th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment at Strakonice. Within this unit the 252nd Anti-Aircraft Missile Battalion currently operates two batteries (16 launchers) of the RBS 70 and two batteries (16 launchers) of the RBS 70 NG. The launchers, their crews along with spare missiles and command, control and communication equipment are transported on modified cargo-bed trucks (the Tatra 810 PVO for the RBS 70 and the Tatra 815-7 PVO for the RBS 70 NG) supplemented by Dingo 2 CZ 4×4 armoured vehicles. Early warning is performed by a trailer-based ReVISOR short-range 2D surveillance radar with an upgraded RACCOS automated command-and-control fire distribution system used for fire control of the missile batteries.

The MARS 4×4 is a modular armoured vehicle (with a minimum of STANAG 4569 Level 2 ballistic and mine protection), the prototype of which was publicly unveiled for the first time in 2021. Thanks to an innovative suspension, the vehicle allows individual adjustment of the ground clearance of each wheel. It is powered by a six-cylinder Mercedes-Benz OM 926 LA engine offering 240 kW at 2,200 rpm, giving it a range of up to 800 km. The powerplant is coupled with a ZF 6HP602S Plus electronically controlled automatic gearbox.