The Indian Army has commenced the deployment of the Carl-Gustaf M4 recoilless rifle, marking a significant advancement in its infantry capabilities. This move coincides with the establishment of a new production facility in India by Saab FFV India Pvt Ltd, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Sweden’s Saab AB, under the “Make in India” initiative.
The Carl-Gustaf M4 represents a substantial upgrade over its predecessors, offering enhanced mobility, versatility, and lethality. Weighing less than 7 kilograms and measuring under one meter in length, the M4 is designed for ease of use in various combat scenarios, including urban warfare and rapid deployment situations. Its lightweight construction is achieved through the use of ad
vanced materials such as carbon fiber and titanium, reducing the burden on soldiers and increasing operational efficiency .
M4 supports a wide range of 84mm ammunition types, including anti-armor, anti-structure, and illumination rounds. Notably, it is compatible with the HE 448 programmable airburst round, which allows for precise targeting of enemy personnel in cover or defilade positions. The integration of advanced fire control systems, such as the FCD 558, enhances targeting accuracy by calculating optimal trajectories and detonation points based on environmental factors .
In 2024, Saab received approval for 100% foreign direct investment to establish a manufacturing facility in India, marking the first instance of a foreign defense company fully owning a production plant in the country. Located in Haryana’s MET City at Jhajjar, the facility aims to produce the Carl-Gustaf M4 for the Indian Armed Forces and export components to global customers .
Saab’s commitment to technology transfer includes partnerships with Indian suppliers and the deployment of advanced manufacturing techniques, such as carbon fiber winding and the integration of sophisticated sighting systems. This initiative aligns with India’s broader goals of achieving self-reliance in defense production and fostering a globally competitive defense industry .
Recent images from Indian Army exercises indicate that troops are actively training with the Carl-Gustaf M4 system. Assistant gunners have been observed carrying two 751-series extended-range anti-armor rounds, suggesting a focus on enhancing anti-tank capabilities. The M4’s compatibility with a variety of ammunition types allows for flexible responses to diverse threats on the battlefield.
The M4’s design includes features such as an adjustable shoulder rest, improved ergonomics, and a shot counter to monitor weapon usage. These enhancements contribute to increased accuracy, faster target acquisition, and reduced operator fatigue, thereby improving overall combat effectiveness .
The induction of the Carl-Gustaf M4 into the Indian Army signifies a pivotal step in modernizing the nation’s infantry capabilities. Coupled with the establishment of a domestic production facility, this development underscores India’s commitment to self-reliance in defense manufacturing and its strategic partnership with global defense leaders like Saab. As the M4 becomes an integral part of India’s military arsenal, it is poised to enhance the operational readiness and tactical flexibility of the Indian Armed Forces in the years to come.
