RBS 23 BAMSE

RBS 23 BAMSE

Type: Long-Range Air Defense System

Domain: land

Country of Origin: Sweden

Manufacturer: Saab AB

First Deployed: 2008

Overview

Swedish medium-range surface-to-air missile system providing mobile air defence for ground forces and air bases against aircraft, helicopters, cruise missiles, and UAVs. BAMSE (Swedish for "teddy bear" but actually named after a Swedish comic character) features a vertically-launched missile with active radar homing for fire-and-forget engagement, range of 20+ km and altitude coverage to 15+ km, two-way datalink enabling mid-course updates and cooperative engagement using offboard sensors, comprehensive resistance to electronic countermeasures, and 360-degree engagement capability. Each battery includes the Giraffe AMB 3D radar, command and control unit, and multiple launch vehicles with 6-8 missiles each. The missile can engage multiple targets simultaneously with high kill probability. Launch platforms are wheeled vehicles providing strategic and tactical mobility. BAMSE is integrated into Swedish ground-based air defence complementing RBS 70 (short-range) and Patriot (long-range) systems. The system provides critical air defence for Swedish mechanised brigades and air bases. Designed for interoperability with NATO air defence networks following Sweden's accession.

Technical Specifications

typeMedium-Range Surface-to-Air Missile System
range~15-20 km
altitude~15 km
guidanceLaser beam-riding (BOLIDE missile technology)
capabilityAll-weather with modern tracking and fire control
manufacturerSaab (Sweden)

Operators

Related land Weapon Systems