The Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon system in use with more than 40 countries. Image sourced from the press releases of Saab AB.

The next-generation multi-role weapon system can be deployed in anti-insurgency/peacekeeping missions and traditional force-on-force conflicts in urban or complex combat environmental conditions.

It is used to destroy armoured tanks with add-on armour protection, to neutralise landing craft and bunkers and to clear obstacles. It is also used to engage enemies in buildings.

The artillery system was launched at the 2014 Association of the US Army annual meeting and exposition held in Washington DC. It is known as the M3A1 Multi-Role Anti-Armor Anti-Personnel Weapon System (MAAWS) in the US.

Slovakia became the first country to deploy the system, following deliveries made in July 2017.

Saab received approval to set up a manufacturing facility with 100% ownership for the production of the Carl-Gustaf weapon system in India in November 2023. Construction of the facility commenced in March 2024.

Worldwide, more than 40 countries are supplied with the Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon systems.

Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon system development

 The weapon system is operated by two persons. Credit: Saab AB.

The Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon system is an advanced derivative of the Carl-Gustaf M3 multipurpose, shoulder-fired recoilless weapon.

Saab conducted a live-fire demonstration of the Carl-Gustaf M4 artillery system at its Bofors Test Center in Karlskoga, Sweden, in September 2014. The system performed a comprehensive series of successful firings against fixed and moving targets during the ground combat systems demonstration.

Customers are offered sub-calibre trainers and full-calibre practice rounds, as well as simulators, to meet their training needs.

Saab and Raytheon developed a laser-guided Carl-Gustaf munition for the Carl-Gustaf M4 recoilless rifle. The companies completed test firings of the munition in October 2019.

Design and features of the multi-role weapon system

CGM4 is equipped with standard clip-on telescopic sighting. Credit: Saab AB.

The CGM4 features a lightweight, flexible design incorporating titanium-made components and improved carbon fibre wrapping. The recoilless rifle offers enhanced agility and tactical flexibility, allowing military forces to engage multiple tactical targets.

It has a length of less than 1,000mm and weighs under 7kg, making it easy to carry. A gunner and a loader can operate the system.

The weapon system features improved ergonomics and an adjustable shoulder rest and front grip. It is also fitted with an integrated shot counter for enhanced logistics and maintenance and is provided with dual-mode safety features.

Sighting systems

Carl-Gustaf M4 can be fitted with existing and future ammunition types. Credit: Saab AB.

The Carl-Gustaf M4 artillery system is attached with a standard clip-on telescopic sight on a picatinny rail, allowing users to install thermal sights or image intensifiers for night-time combat.

Additional sighting systems, including open sight, red dot and intelligent sights, can be optionally mounted based on the specific needs of the customer.

Ammunition

The Carl-Gustaf M4 is flexible, with various existing and future ammunition types, including anti-armour, anti-structure, multi-role, anti-personnel, and support rounds such as smoke and illumination.

It is also compatible with programmable ammunition, providing dismounted soldiers with advanced capability.

The guided Carl-Gustaf munition can accurately engage stationary or moving targets at distances of up to 2,000m.

Carl-Gustaf weapon system

Carl-Gustaf weapon systems are in service in more than 40 countries. The launch variant Carl-Gustaf M1 entered service in 1948, whereas the second variant Carl-Gustaf M2 became operational in 1964.

Also referred to as MAAWS in the US, the third variant Carl-Gustaf M3 has been in service with the US Army Rangers and US Special Operations Force since 1991. The 1,065m-long, 10kg system features airburst capability and is compatible with various types of ammunition.

The Carl-Gustaf M4 weapons are compatible with the Saab’s new fire control device, the FCD 558.

Orders and deliveries of Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon system

Saab secured a contract from its launch customer, the Slovak Republic in September 2015, for the supply of the Carl-Gustaf M4 system.

Saab signed a contract with the US Special Operations Command to deliver ammunition for MAAWS in October 2015.

In January 2016, Saab secured a contract worth approximately $164m (Skr1.4bn) to supply ammunition for the Carl-Gustaf weapon system to an undisclosed customer. A $14.5m (Skr122m) contract was awarded by the Swedish Defence Material Administration (FMV) in August the same year for the supply of Carl-Gustaf M4 ammunition.

The fourth contract for the Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon system was placed from an undisclosed customer in December 2016.

The FMV signed a framework agreement with Saab in April 2018 to purchase the Carl-Gustaf ammunition for the Swedish Armed Forces for a base period of three years, with a four-year extension option. Orders were placed in May 2018.

Saab received an order worth $16m (Skr135m) from the US Department of Defense for Carl-Gustaf ammunition in June 2018.

The company also received an order valued at $12.7m (Skr110m) from the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA) in the same month, under a framework agreement signed by the NDMA in September 2017.

The Estonian Centre for Defence Investment placed a Carl-Gustaf ammunition order worth $20.8m (Skr186m) in July 2018, under the framework agreement signed by the FMV.

The Australian Army placed orders for the supply of an undisclosed number of Carl-Gustaf M4 systems in September 2018.

The weapon system weighs less than 7kg. Image sources from the press releases of Saab AB.

The Latvian Ministry of Defence awarded a $21.12m (Skr170m) order for Carl-Gustaf ammunition in October 2018.

A month later, Saab was awarded an order to deliver Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon systems to the Slovenian Armed Forces.

Saab received orders for the delivery of Carl-Gustaf M4 worth $54.32m (Skr492m) from an undisclosed customer in December 2018.

The US DoD placed $16m (Skr145m) orders for the supply of Carl-Gustaf ammunition in January 2019. A month later, the US Army and Saab entered an agreement worth $19m (Skr170m) for the delivery of Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon systems.

The Australian Army placed orders worth $18m (Skr168m) for Carl-Gustaf ammunition in April 2019.

In May 2020, Saab secured orders from the Latvian Armed Forces and Estonian Armed Forces to deliver the Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon system.

Saab received two orders for the Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon system from the US Army in July and October 2020.

In 2021, Saab received orders for the Carl-Gustaf weapon system from the Norwegian Armed Forces, the Estonian Armed Forces, the US Army, and an undisclosed customer. Sweden placed an order for Carl-Gustaf M4 trainers in February 2021.

An order for Carl-Gustaf ammunition was placed by Sweden in May 2022.

The Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon system in use with more than 40 countries. Image sourced from the press releases of Saab AB.

Saab received orders for Carl-Gustaf recoilless rifles from the US Army in May 2022 and Carl-Gustaf ammunition in September 2022. The Norwegian Armed Forces placed an order for programmable Carl-Gustaf ammunition in August 2022.

Latvia placed an order for Carl-Gustaf ammunition in December 2022 under a framework contract signed with Sweden that allows for Carl-Gustaf M4 ammunition and weapons orders to be placed by Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia up to 2031.

The Defence Materiel Agency of Lithuania placed an order for Carl-Gustaf worth Skr145m ($14m) in March 2023.

Saab signed framework agreements for the Carl-Gustaf weapon system with the NATO Support and Procurement Agency during the same month. Deliveries are anticipated between 2023 and 2025.

The FMV placed a Skr3bn ($287.2m) order in May 2023 for the delivery of ammunition for the Carl-Gustaf weapon system. The deliveries are scheduled between 2026 and 2030.

In July 2023, the Australian Department of Defence ordered Carl-Gustaf M4 rifles with the latest FCD 558 under a Skr400m ($37m) contract. The deliveries are planned for 2024 to 2025.

The Japan Self-Defence Forces placed an order for 300 units of the Carl-Gustaf weapon system in October 2023. The deliveries are scheduled to take place in 2025.

In November 2023, Saab received an order for the Carl-Gustaf weapon system worth approximately Skr1.3bn ($124.6m) from an undisclosed customer. The deliveries are scheduled to occur between 2024 and 2025.

Saab received a Skr12.9bn ($1.24bn) order from Poland to supply the Carl-Gustaf weapon system along with ammunition and training equipment in March 2024.