The RBS 70 air defense systems used by Ireland's Defense Forces are being upgraded by Saab of Sweden, the company announced.

Under a contract worth nearly $5.98 million, Saab will deliver new operator training simulators, upgraded fire units to support the BORC night-capable sight and the latest Bolide missile, and new external power supplies.

Also included in the deal is a four-year support program, Saab said.

"This order is very important because it demonstrates the reliability of the RBS 70 system," said Rickard Svensson, Saab's director of Marketing and Sales, Western Europe. "It is a modern and reliable system which also has a long lifespan. For the customers it is a great advantage that the system can be upgraded for future use."

Saab's RBS 70 is a short-range, man-portable system that has been in service since 1977. About 19 countries use it.

Saab said delivery of the upgrades will begin next year.