Carl-Gustaf – the legendary multi-role weapon system for the modern battlefield
Built on its 70 years of heritage and technological development, Saab’s Carl-Gustaf ® system remains an unparalleled and supremely successful solution to the challenges faced by ground forces. By supporting a wide range of ammunition, Carl-Gustaf allows dismounted soldiers to deal with multiple challenges on the modern battlefield.
Since it was introduced in 1948, the Carl-Gustaf multi-role weapon has been supporting dismounted infantry around the world. The wide range of ammunition types makes it a truly multi-role weapon system that allows the user to take on a wide range of operations on the battlefield – from neutralising armoured tanks or enemy troops in defilade to clearing obstacles and engaging enemies in buildings.
Carl-Gustaf M4 is the latest the weapon within the system and comes with many improvements and innovations, such as a significant lower weigh of just seven kilos, an integrated shot counter and compatibility with future innovations such as intelligent sighting systems and programmable ammunition.
Flexibility is a key characteristic of successful modern infantry forces. A global shift is taking place towards asymmetric and intra-state warfare, and troops are much more likely to be deployed in urban or complex combat environments. This could be for full-scale conflict, or for anti-insurgency or peacekeeping operations.
In situations like this, it’s both strategically and logistically unfeasible to rely upon heavy support. The key motive for infantry is to be able to quickly and efficiently respond to any threats they encounter. Their lives often depend on it.
Since its release in 2014, fourteen customers have acquired the latest Carl-Gustaf weapon, including the Australian Army, Swedish Armed Forces and U.S. Army. With all the successes in the history of the Carl-Gustaf system and its latest itteration there is no indication that it is about to stop or even slow down. Customers that uses previous editions of the weapon are now looking into an upgrade to the Carl-Gustaf M4. With the future in mind when designing Carl-Gustaf M4, the system will adapt for future needs and operations. Currently, new ammunition types are being developed. For example a programmable high-explosive round and a guided Carl-Gustaf munition.