New Delhi: Indian Army Carl-Gustaf M4 rocket launchers are set to play a bigger role in India’s infantry modernization. The Indian Army has issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) to procure 450 Carl-Gustaf M4 84mm weapon systems, along with sights, accessories and spare parts. A major highlight is that the launchers are expected to be manufactured at Saab’s new facility in Jhajjar, Haryana, supporting India’s Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat defence initiatives.
Details of Indian Army Carl-Gustaf M4 Rocket Launchers Procurement
The Indian Army has started the procurement process for 450 Carl-Gustaf Mark-IV (M4) 84mm recoilless weapon systems.
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The proposed purchase includes:
- 450 Carl-Gustaf M4 launchers
- Advanced sighting systems
- Essential accessories
- Spare parts
- Long-term product support
The acquisition is aimed at improving the firepower, mobility and versatility of frontline infantry units operating in different combat environments.
Why Indian Army Carl-Gustaf M4 Rocket Launchers Procurement Is Important
The Carl-Gustaf M4 is one of the world’s most widely used shoulder-fired support weapons. It can engage:
- Main battle tanks
- Armoured vehicles
- Enemy bunkers
- Fortified positions
- Buildings and structures
- Infantry targets
Its multi-role capability makes it useful for conventional warfare, counter-insurgency operations and urban combat.
Made in India at Saab’s Haryana Facility
A key feature of this procurement is the expected domestic production of the weapon. Saab has established its first-ever Carl-Gustaf manufacturing facility outside Sweden at MET City, Jhajjar, Haryana, through its wholly owned company Saab FFVO India Pvt Ltd after receiving approval for 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). The factory is designed to:
- Manufacture Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon systems
- Produce critical components
- Work with Indian suppliers
- Support future exports
- Strengthen India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem
The project supports the Government of India’s Make in India programme by increasing local production and reducing dependence on imported defence equipment.
What Makes the Carl-Gustaf M4 Special
The Carl-Gustaf M4 is the latest version of Saab’s famous 84mm recoilless weapon system. Key features include:
- Lightweight design using carbon fibre and titanium
- Weight below 7 kg
- Improved mobility for soldiers
- Compatibility with existing Carl-Gustaf ammunition
- Advanced fire-control and sighting systems
- High first-shot hit probability
The lighter design allows troops to carry the weapon more easily during long operations without sacrificing combat capability.
Wide Range of Ammunition
One of the biggest strengths of the Carl-Gustaf M4 is its ability to fire different ammunition types depending on the mission. These include:
- Anti-armour rounds
- High-explosive rounds
- Smoke ammunition
- Illumination rounds
- Anti-structure ammunition
This flexibility allows infantry units to respond to different battlefield situations using a single launcher.
Designed for India’s Harsh Conditions
According to the procurement requirements, the weapon must perform reliably in India’s extreme operating conditions. The launchers are expected to function in temperatures ranging from approximately -20°C to +50°C, allowing deployment from the Himalayan region to the deserts of Rajasthan. The systems are also expected to provide:
- Barrel life of at least 1,500 rounds or 15 years of service
- Effective engagement range of roughly 350–800 metres
- Long-term maintenance and logistics support
Delivery and Support Requirements
The RFP reportedly requires:
- Initial deliveries within 12 months after contract signing
- Comprehensive product support for 15 years
- A 24-month warranty
- Long-term maintenance support
These requirements aim to ensure high operational readiness throughout the system’s service life.
Long History With the Indian Army
The Carl-Gustaf weapon system has served with the Indian Army since 1976. Over the decades, it has earned a reputation for reliability, durability and battlefield effectiveness.
The M4 version offers significant improvements in weight, ergonomics and targeting technology while maintaining compatibility with the existing Carl-Gustaf family.
Indian Army Carl-Gustaf M4 Rocket Launchers Procurement: Boost for Indigenous Defence Manufacturing
Local production of the Carl-Gustaf M4 is expected to create several benefits:
- Reduced dependence on imports
- Faster delivery of weapons
- Increased technology transfer
- Growth of Indian defence suppliers
- Potential export opportunities
- Higher self-reliance in defence manufacturing
Saab has also stated that the Haryana facility will manufacture components for customers around the world, strengthening India’s position in the global defence supply chain.
