Saab has received an order from the Australian Department of Defence for the supply of additional Carl-Gustaf® M4 weapons. The order value is AUD 56 million with deliveries during 2024-2025. The Carl-Gustaf M4 weapons will be delivered with Saab’s new Fire Control Device, FCD 558.
The Australian Department of Defence has ordered additional Saab Carl-Gustaf M4 recoilless anti-tank rifles in a deal worth A$56 million ($37.44 million) with deliveries expected in 2024-2025. The weapons will be fitted with Saab’s new Fire Control Device, FCD 558.
Saab Australia managing director, Andy Keough, said the deal reinforces ‘Saab’s support for the ADF from these advanced weapons through to ground-based air defence solutions, battle management systems and world-leading deployable health and infrastructure services’.
‘This order continues Saab’s longstanding relationship with the Australian Defence Force.’
The Carl-Gustaf system is supplied to more than 40 countries around the world including the US.
In September 2018, the Australian Army placed an order for an undisclosed number of Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon systems to be delivered in 2020. This US$18 million contract was signed in April 2019.
The UK also recently ordered Carl-Gustaf M4 recoilless rifles worth nearly £5 million ($6.3 million) from Saab to replenish munitions gifted to Ukraine. The deal includes weapon systems, sights, ammunition and training.
Saab’s Carl Gustaf M4.
The Carl Gustaf M4 recoilless rifle is a multi-role system developed to secure dismounted troops during combat.
The weapon is easy-to-use and portable, weighing approximately 7 kilograms (15 pounds) and measuring less than 1 meter (3 feet) in length.
Alongside its mobility, Carl Gustaf offers compatibility with a range of munitions depending on user requirements.
Compared to its M2 predecessor, the M4 variant is lighter, uses “intelligent” optical systems, and can be integrated with advanced weapon capabilities, such as FCD 558 programmable munitions.
In 2019, Saab received a $15.46-million order to provide Carl Gustaf ammunition to the Australian Army.
It followed the initial order of the system’s M4 variants in 2018, during which Australia became the sixth customer of the weapon since its launch in 2014.
The Australian Army will receive additional Carl-Gustaf M4 weapons. (Photo: Saab)
