The present invention provides for an advantageous external side airbag system (1), comprising at least one airbag (3, 3a-3c) with at least one dedicated inflator (5a-5c). The external airbag system is characterized in that at least one airbag has in a folded state an elongated shape that extends in a longitudinal direction (L) and is configured to be integrated in a side structure (19) of a vehicle, and in particular between a rocker panel (21) and a sill cover (31) of a vehicle.