Army to Induct 450 Carl Gustaf M4 Rocket Launchers

The Indian Army issued a Request for Proposal in July 2026 for 450 Carl Gustaf Mark-IV 84mm lightweight rocket launchers. The Carl Gustaf M4 is a shoulder-fired, multi-role weapon system designed for infantry use, anti-armour roles, and other battlefield tasks.

Carl Gustaf Weapon Family

The Carl Gustaf is a recoilless rifle system developed by Saab of Sweden. The Indian Army has used earlier M2 and M3 variants since the 1970s, and the M4 is the latest version in the series. The M4 weighs under 7 kilograms, while the M2 weighs about 14 kilograms and the M3 weighs about 10 kilograms.

Indian Manufacturing and Industrial Base

The Carl Gustaf M4 will be manufactured in India at Saab’s facility in Reliance MET City, Jhajjar, Haryana. Saab received approval for 100% Foreign Direct Investment for this unit, and the facility is described as India’s first fully foreign-owned defence manufacturing unit. Construction of the plant began in March 2024, and production was planned to start in 2024.

Operational Features and Contract Terms

The launcher is specified to function in temperatures from -20°C to +50°C. This range suits deployment in the Himalayas and the deserts of Rajasthan. The RFP requires deliveries to begin within 12 months of contract signing, along with 15 years of product support and a 24-month warranty.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Carl Gustaf is an 84mm recoilless rifle used by several armed forces worldwide.
• The M4 variant is lighter than the M2 and M3 versions and is designed for improved mobility.
• Munitions India Limited manufactures a wide range of ammunition for the Carl Gustaf system in India.
• Foreign Direct Investment of 100% is permitted in the defence sector through the automatic route in specified cases, subject to applicable rules.

Indian Army Modernisation Context

The induction of 450 launchers falls within infantry modernisation and the replacement of older equipment with lighter systems. The Carl Gustaf family remains one of the most widely recognised shoulder-fired weapon platforms in modern military inventories.