The RBS-70 is a modern man portable SAM system of Swedish origin. It was developed as a highly mobile system to primarily protect predefined areas, not troops on the move. The manual SACLOS guidance sets this system apart from the more common infrared homing MANPADS designs.

The RBS-70 uses a pedetal launcher on which a single operator is seated. The operator identifies targets or receives target information from mobile radar systems such as the Giraffe. The SACLOS guidance requires the operator to keep the target within the crosshairs while the missile uses laser beam riding guidance to reach the target. The laser receiver is in the tail of the missile and is very hard to jam. This required exhaust vents in the middle of the missile. The laser seeker and warhead are in the nose.

The RBS-70 is very resistant to jamming, but requires much training to operate effectively. The orignal RBS-70 missile had a limited range of 5 km and 3 km ceiling. The limited size warhead resulted in a mediocre lethality. The Mk 2 missile has a much improved warhead, 7 km range and 4 km ceiling. The latest BOLIDE missile has a 8 km range, 5 km ceiling and Mach 2 speed.

The RBS-70 is man portable by three men, but only over short distances. The launcher is rather heavy, especially with night sight fitted. Usually the launcher is transported in a utility vehicle or truck. The launcher can also be mounted on vehicles.

The RBS-70 was first adopted by the Swedish military to realize their doctrine of mobile warfare with limited maintainance systems. The RBS-70 has been exported to a large number of nations, mainly in Europe and Asia.