The Indian Army is set to induct 450 units of the latest Carl Gustaf M4 84mm shoulder-fired rocket launcher as part of its ongoing modernisation programme, significantly enhancing the firepower and operational mobility of frontline infantry units. The new-generation launcher, developed by Swedish defence major Saab, is expected to replace older variants and provide soldiers with a lighter, more versatile and highly effective anti-armour weapon capable of operating across India’s diverse operational environments.
The induction is aimed at improving the combat effectiveness of infantry formations, particularly those deployed in high-altitude regions such as Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, where mobility, endurance and rapid response are critical. The Carl Gustaf M4 weighs less than seven kilograms, making it substantially lighter than its predecessors. The earlier M2 variant weighed around 14 kilograms, while the M3 version weighed approximately 10 kilograms. The reduced weight allows troops to carry the weapon more easily over difficult terrain without compromising firepower.
The Carl Gustaf M4 has an effective engagement range of up to 1,000 metres and is capable of accurately engaging a wide spectrum of battlefield targets, including enemy bunkers, fortified positions, armoured vehicles and main battle tanks. Its improved ergonomics, lightweight construction and enhanced accuracy make it particularly suitable for modern infantry operations where mobility and versatility are essential.
According to the Army’s Request for Proposal (RFP), the launcher is designed to operate reliably in temperatures ranging from 50 degrees Celsius to minus 20 degrees Celsius. This enables its deployment across India’s varied operational theatres, from the freezing Himalayan frontiers to the extreme heat of the Thar Desert, ensuring consistent performance under harsh environmental conditions.
One of the Carl Gustaf M4’s greatest strengths is its wide range of ammunition, much of which is manufactured domestically by Munitions India Limited. The extensive ammunition family enables the weapon system to perform multiple battlefield roles, reducing the need for specialised launchers while increasing operational flexibility for infantry units.
The ammunition inventory includes both lethal and non-lethal rounds. Among the non-lethal options are the Target Practice Tracer round, used for realistic training by replicating the trajectory of live ammunition, the Smoke round for creating protective smoke screens that conceal troop movement and hinder enemy observation, and the Illumination round, which provides battlefield lighting during night operations to improve visibility for friendly forces.
The launcher’s lethal ammunition includes the High Explosive Dual Purpose (HEDP) round, capable of penetrating lightly armoured vehicles and field fortifications while simultaneously generating fragmentation effects against enemy personnel. It also features dedicated anti-tank ammunition designed to defeat heavily armoured targets, providing infantry units with a highly effective weapon against enemy armour during both conventional warfare and limited tactical engagements.
The Indian Army has operated the Carl Gustaf weapon system for more than five decades. The first launchers entered service in 1974, followed by a cooperation agreement in 1976 that enabled licensed production of earlier variants in India. Over the years, both the M2 and M3 versions have become integral components of the Army’s infantry arsenal, proving their effectiveness in conventional military operations as well as counter-insurgency missions.
The latest M4 variant is now being manufactured in India at Saab’s production facility in Jhajjar, Haryana. Established under India’s liberalised foreign direct investment policy in the defence sector, the plant is the country’s first fully foreign-owned defence manufacturing facility. The unit is expected to produce Carl Gustaf M4 launchers for both the Indian armed forces and export markets, contributing to India’s growing defence manufacturing ecosystem while supporting the country’s vision of enhancing indigenous production capabilities.
The induction of the Carl Gustaf M4 represents another important step in the Indian Army’s efforts to modernise its infantry weapons and improve battlefield effectiveness. By combining reduced weight, greater versatility, advanced ammunition options and all-weather operational capability, the new launcher is expected to significantly strengthen the Army’s ability to counter armoured threats and support infantry operations across a wide range of combat scenarios.
