Ukrainian army forces showcases Swedish RBS-70 in action, taking down Ka-52 helicopter

Defense Express explains the system's most notable features.

Soldiers from the 47th Deatched Mechanized Brigade effectively employed the Swedish-manufactured RBS-70 man-portable air-defense system near Robotyne village in the Zaporizhzhia region, successfully downing the Ka-52. A widely circulated video documents the anti-aircraft missile itself.

Despite these MANPADS being delivered earlier this year, this video marks the first-ever display of their use by Ukrainian troops on the battlefield.

The video reveals the RBS-70's unique feature: a "laser track" system that employs guided laser beams rather than traditional infrared homing. Operators track the target using this laser until it's destroyed, enabling the missile to bypass heat decoys.

Of note, the missile's jet engine leaves no visible trace, enhancing operator safety. Typically, missile launches are exposed by smoke trails indicating the launcher's position, Defense Express notes.

The RBS-70 Mk 2 model boasts a range of up to 7 km, while the newer RBS 70 NG version, if acquired by Ukraine, extends that range to 9 km.