Carl Gustaf M4 – Make in India

Bheemanagouda M Patil January 18, 2024

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On 15th Feb 2023, Saab Group announced, In line with the growing relevance of the shoulder-launched weapon system worldwide and India, Saab will set up a manufacturing facility for the Carl-Gustaf in India, with production in the new facility planned to start in 2024. The facility will support the production of the Carl-Gustaf M4 for the Indian Armed Forces and for users of the system around the world. Let’s discuss this versatile weapon system, exploring their unique capabilities, is their any Indian Alternative of this weapon system and the potential benefits of their production in India for the Indian defense industry.

Carl Gustaf M4 is an 8.4 cm recoilless rifle system developed by Saab Bofors Dynamics in Sweden. It is an updated version of the Carl Gustaf M3, a man-portable, shoulder-fired weapon known for its versatility and effectiveness in anti-tank, anti-armor, and anti-personnel roles.

Development

Its development was inspired by Bazooka and Panzerschreck(Used by Germans) for the anti-tank and anti-armor role. M1 was the first variant of the rifle and later M2 variant was developed in 1962 for export purposes. The Carl Gustaf M3 started development in the 1980s, the weight was further reduced by replacing the forged steel tube with a thin steel liner containing the rifling, strengthened by a carbon fiber outer sleeve. The external steel parts were also replaced with plastics and aluminum alloys. The M3 has been an export success and has been used by several nations of Europe and by the US Army. The latest variant is the M4.

The latest M4 Variant

Compared to the M3 MAAWS, the M4 is 3.4 kg lighter, weighing 6.6 kg, and shorter with a 95cm overall length. The shorter length was in response to the need to wield the weapon in urban terrain, and weight savings were achieved through using lighter components whenever possible including a carbon fiber tube with titanium liner, and a new venturi design.
Other new features include a red-dot sight, a travel safety catch to allow the M4 to be carried while loaded, an adjustable shoulder rest and forward grip for improved ergonomics, a shot counter to keep track of how many rounds have been fired to manage the weapon’s 1,000-round barrel life, double that of the M3
Saab announced in September 2022 that it would establish a manufacturing facility to produce the Carl-Gustaf M4 weapons system in India. It will be the company’s first facility producing the M4 system outside Sweden. The facility is expected to open in 2024 and will produce weapons for the Indian Army and export components to users worldwide. Previous versions of the Carl Gustaf system have been in service with India since 1976.

Unique Capabilities of Carl Gustaf

Versatility: The Carl Gustaf is designed to be a multi-role weapon, capable of engaging a variety of targets, including armored vehicles, fortifications, and infantry.
Recoilless Design: The weapon uses a recoilless rifle design, meaning it expels propellant gases backward to counteract the forward momentum of the projectile. This reduces the felt recoil and allows for easier handling by the operator.
Interchangeable Ammunition: The Carl Gustaf is known for its wide range of ammunition options. Various types of rounds can be used, including high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT), high-explosive dual-purpose (HEDP), illumination, smoke, and anti-structure rounds. This makes it adaptable to different mission requirements.
Reloadable: The weapon is reloadable using the venturi lock, allowing the operator to quickly replace spent rounds and engage multiple targets without the need for a complete weapon change.
Lightweight: The Carl Gustaf is relatively lightweight and portable, allowing it to be carried and operated by a single infantry soldier. The M4 upgrade includes a titanium and carbon fiber wrapping making it lighter and 66 cm shorter
Reduced Backblast: The design of the Carl Gustaf incorporates features to minimize the backblast, making it suitable for use in confined spaces or urban environments.
Day/Night Optics: It is fitted with iron sights an optical sight with 17 degrees filed of view. The Carl Gustaf has also been equipped with a Swedish aimpoint sighting system that allows for effective use both during the day and at night, enhancing the operator’s ability to engage targets in various lighting conditions.
Effectiveness: It is highly effective in 30-meter range and at 50-70 meter can cause burn injuries because of the blast wave

Major Combat Operations

Since its inception, it has been used in various recent conflicts, including the Vietnam War, the Falkland War, and various crises in Africa, Afghanistan, and Iraq. The latest was the Ukraine war, Canada supplied around 100 launchers and 2000 rounds of ammunition. Till now Carl Gustaf has confirmed kills of Russian T90 Tanks. But, certainly, Ukraine has extensively used these against Russian armored columns. In the Indian Army, it has been used since the 1970s and played a critical role in CI/CT operations. However, there isn’t much information regarding the use of these in combat, but it is sure that these would have been used quite extensively.

How production In India beneficial for Indian Defence Industries

Self-Reliance and Indigenous Production: Manufacturing the Carl Gustaf locally reduces India’s dependence on foreign suppliers for such critical weaponry. This move towards self-reliance is aligned with India’s broader goal of developing and enhancing its indigenous defense production capabilities.
Technology Transfer: Collaboration with foreign partners often involves technology transfer agreements. By manufacturing the Carl Gustaf domestically, India can gain access to advanced technologies related to weapon systems, enhancing the overall technical expertise of its defense industry.
Employment Opportunities: The production of weapons domestically contributes to the growth of the defense industry, creating jobs and stimulating economic activity.
Customization and Adaptation: Local production allows for customization of the weapon system to better suit the specific needs and requirements of the Indian armed forces. The ability to adapt and modify the Carl Gustaf based on the operational context enhances its effectiveness in diverse scenarios.
Cost Savings: Domestic production can potentially result in cost savings over time. As production processes mature and volumes increase, economies of scale may lead to reduced production costs, making the weapon system more cost-effective for the Indian armed forces.
Logistical Advantages: A domestically produced weapon system can simplify logistics, maintenance, and the supply chain. This is because spare parts and support infrastructure can be managed more efficiently when production is located within the country rather than depending upon the parent manufacturer.
Export Opportunities: If India successfully develops and manufactures the Carl Gustaf or similar weapons, there may be opportunities to export these systems to other countries, providing an additional revenue stream for the Indian defense industry.

Indigenous Alternative For Anti Armor Role

Nag Missile

The Nag missile is a third-generation, fire-and-forget, anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) system.
It is designed to defeat modern armor including composite and modular types.
The Nag missile has both land and helicopter-launched variants.

HELINA (HELIcopter Launched Nag):

HELINA is an air-to-surface version of the Nag missile system, specifically designed for launch from helicopters.
It is intended to be used by attack helicopters like the HAL Rudra and HAL Light Combat Helicopter (LCH).

Man-Portable Anti-Tank Guided Missile (MPATGM):

The MPATGM is a man-portable, third-generation anti-tank guided missile developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
It is designed to be carried and operated by infantry.

Sant Missile:

The SANT (Stand-Off Anti-Tank) missile is an anti-tank guided missile developed by the DRDO.
fourth generation missile developed for long-distance airborne anti-armor role.