By Rohit Srivastava

Swedish defence major Saab plans to manufacture the latest version of its shoulder fired weapons system Carl-Gustaf® in India from 2024. The company is setting up a fully-owned Indian subsidiary Saab FFV India for this purpose.

Saab will also be partnering with Indian sub-suppliers and the systems manufactured in the facility will fully meet the requirements of “Make in India”. Saab FFV India will deploy complex technologies including the latest sighting technology and apply advanced manufacturing techniques like carbon fibre winding for the Carl-Gustaf system including the latest M4 weapon.

 “It is a natural step to set up a production facility for Carl-Gustaf M4 in India given the long and close association we have with the Indian Army as one of the foremost users of the system. We are glad to be able to contribute to the Government of India’s goals of developing a world class defence industry and proud to offer the Indian Armed Forces our Carl-Gustaf M4 made in India,” says Görgen Johansson, head of Saab’s business area Dynamics.  

The Carl-Gustaf system has been in service with the Indian Army since the first cooperation agreement for production in India was signed 1976. Indian army currently uses M2 and M3 versions and those are manufactured by Indian defence public sector companies. Considered as one of the most reliable infantry support weapon at the battalion level, Carl Gustaf can fire variety of ammunition to neutralise armoured vehicles, posts and fortified positions.

Indian army has ordered undisclosed number M4 systems to Saab.

To manufacture M4 at Indian facility, Saab will move key technologies here. The company is yet to finalise the location of the facility. The plant would be part of the Saab global supply chain and would contribute to Saab export orders.

Speaking on the export to non-friendly nations, Johansson said that the company will follow the export laws of India and Sweden would provide the end user certificate.

The investment proposal of the company is yet to get government’s approval. The company would like to have 100 per cent FDI for the project.

As continuation of Saab’s commitment to ‘Make in India’, the company will continue its partnership with Munitions India Limited (MIL) and Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWEIL) to manufacture the Carl-Gustaf weapon and its ammunition.  

 

Carl Gustaf – M4

The Carl-Gustaf® M4 is a man-portable multi-role weapon system that provides high tactical flexibility through its wide range of ammunition types.

Since 1948, the Carl-Gustaf® has been supporting dismounted infantry around the world in dealing with a full range of battlefield challenges. A marked evolution in the history of the system, the M4 model meets the needs of modern conflict environments, while offering compatibility with future innovations.

Saab’s thinking edge has enabled us to build on almost 75 years of heritage and technological development to offer a weapon system with innovation at its core. With the Carl Gustaf® M4, you can overcome any tactical situation.

The Carl-Gustaf® M4 represents an evolution in the capabilities of infantrymen. To see its multi-role flexibility in action is to understand the true impact this system will have on tomorrow’s ground combat operations. Its features include:

 

• shorter length and a weight of less than 7 kilos.
• Compatible with a broad range of sight options, greatly increases the likelihood of a firstround hit.
• Improved ergonomics
• 1500 m range of ammunition
• Two man team
• Safe to carry loaded weapon

FLEXIBLE SIGHT OPTIONS

Compatible with a broad range of sight options, including the Fire Control Device (FCD) 558, which greatly increases the likelihood of a first-round hit.

IMPROVED ERGONOMICS

Improved ergonomics enables soldiers to adjust the weapon to suit them. Includes an adjustable shoulder rest and front grip.

REDUCED ACTION TIME

Can be carried loaded to enable the user to act faster.

ROUND COUNTER

Integrated shot counter for improved logistics and maintenance.