The Swedish SAAB defence corporation is continuing doing good business with its internationally acclaimed Carl-Gustaf M4 rocket-propelled grenade launchers, better known as anti-tank weapons launched from the shoulder.
Featured press photo: SAAB
Poland has ordered the Carl-Gustaf launchers and ammunitions for USD 1 billion on 5 March, the largest order for any ground-combat system in the history of SAAB and the predecessors that it has incorporated in the company. On 25 March four NATO countries placed another order for the system, worth EUR 60 million through the joint NATO procurement agency. Japan ordered 300 Carl-Gustaf systems for delivery in 2025, and other recent buyers have remained anonymous. The deals have been announced in the same month when Sweden officially joined the military alliance (recommended read: Sweden joins NATO, these are the 10 immediate consequences at Nordicreporter.com).
Carl-Gustaf on the Ukrainian battlefield
The Carl-Gustaf has been successful every since the first generation was produced in 1948. About 15 countries have directly purchased the weapon system, and it has been fielded by the Ukrainian armed forces in combat as well. The weapon system was also included in the latest, biggest donation by Sweden to Ukraine worth USD 1 billion, comprising combat boats, portable air-defence systems and other equipment as well.
One costs about EUR 20,000
The Carl-Gustaf is like a upgraded version of a bazooka, weighing almost 10 kilos including loaded anti-armour and anti-personnel rockets in the shoulder-held tube. It is believed that one system costs about EUR 20,000 to 26,000; and one rocket-propelled grenade about EUR 5,000 to 6,000. | © 2024 Marcel Burger, nordicreporter.com