The Indian Army is moving to acquire 450 Carl-Gustaf M4 rocket launchers as it upgrades infantry firepower for operations across high-altitude, desert, and other demanding environments.
A request for proposal has been issued for the 84mm shoulder-fired weapons, which are expected to be produced at Saab’s facility in Jhajjar district, Haryana, according to a report by the Times of India.
Weighing less than seven kilograms (15.4 pounds), the M4 is considerably lighter than the earlier M2 and M3 variants used by the Indian military. It can engage targets at ranges of up to 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) depending on the ammunition used.
The M4 supports advanced fire control systems and programmable ammunition while remaining compatible with all legacy Carl-Gustaf rounds. It can also be equipped with a range of sighting systems for various operational requirements.
Carl-Gustaf Deepens Footprint in India
The planned purchase would mark the latest expansion of a weapon system that has served with the Indian military for more than five decades.
India first acquired the Carl-Gustaf in the 1970s, followed by a cooperation agreement in 1976 that enabled local production of earlier variants. The M2 and M3 subsequently became widely used infantry support weapons.
The Swedish company has since expanded the system’s presence in India while partnering with domestic producers, including state-owned Munitions India Limited.
Saab broke ground on the first Carl-Gustaf manufacturing plant outside Sweden in 2024.
