Recently it became known that Sweden is preparing another package of financial and military-technical assistance to Ukraine. Again, a significant number of different infantry weapons are planned to be transferred to the Ukrainian army. Of greatest interest is the proposal to procure a series of light coastal anti-ship missile systems RBS-17. Such products are expected to strengthen Ukraine’s coastal defense.

RBS-17 is a light missile system with supersonic munitions. It’s stable, but its small size and weight allow you to quickly move it from one location to another and get ready for work. The complex is designed to detect and defeat small-tonnage surface targets in the near zone. It can also be used for ground purposes.

Robotsystem 17 includes several main components. These are an optoelectronic station for surveillance, detection and illumination, an operator console, a remote-controlled launcher and an anti-ship missile. Under the control of a UES, it can operate several launchers located nearby or spaced apart over a distance. The vehicles of the complex are connected by cables.

The complex UES on land is designed as a portable tripod unit operated by an operator. Optics observes and searches for targets at a distance of at least 10-12 km. There is also a laser rangefinder to illuminate the object under attack.

The design of the RBS-17 launcher is simple. A U-shaped swivel support with the possibility of horizontal orientation is placed on the cross-shaped base. On it hangs the rocking guide for the rocket and part of the necessary equipment.

The RBS-17 missile is a modified version of the AGM-114 series. It differs in the use of a semi-active laser homing head, which requires illumination of the target. In addition, Bofors has developed high-explosive fragmentation warheads with contact detonation or deceleration. Flight characteristics remained at Hellfire level. Firing range – up to 10 km.

The principle of operation of the Swedish complex is quite simple. With any suitable transport, the vehicles of the complex are delivered to the position, and then deployed taking into account camouflage and safety of the calculation. The operator, independently or with external instructions, finds the target and directs a laser beam at it. Then the launch takes place. The accuracy and efficiency of the direct shot depend on the skill of the operator responsible for illuminating the target.