The Norwegian Armed Forces has signed a framework agreement with Saab for the Carl-Gustaf M4 recoilless rifle. Saab has received an initial order for Carl-Gustaf M4 man-portable reusable anti-tank weapon with deliveries in 2021. The Norwegian Armed Forces has been a user of the Carl-Gustaf M2 system since early 1970’s. Today the M2 and the M3 versions are used within the Norwegian Armed Forces. The recently signed framework agreement allows the Norwegian customer to place orders for Carl-Gustaf M4 recoilless rifle, associated equipment and training systems during a 7-year period.
The Carl Gustaf recoilless rifle is an 84-mm man-portable reusable anti-tank weapon originally produced by Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori (that later was merged into Saab Bofors Dynamics) in Sweden. The Carl Gustaf is a lightweight, low-cost weapon that uses a wide range of ammunition, which makes it extremely flexible and suitable for a wide variety of roles. The weapon is normally operated by a two-man crew, a gunner who carry and fire weapon and a loader, carrying two canisters for a total of four rounds of ammunition. One or two extra ammunition carriers can be assigned if heavy use is expected.
At AUSA 2014, Saab Dynamics displayed its new Carl Gustaf M4 variant. the M4 is 3.4 kg (7.5 lb) lighter, weighing 6.6 kg (15 lb), and shorter with a 950 mm (37 in) 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 fibre tube with titanium liner, as well as 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.
The US Defence Department agreed to evaluate the shorter and lighter M4 version over the next two years and the weapon type classified as the M3E1 in fall 2017, making the system available for procurement to all U>S. Department of Defence services. In April 2019, a contract of SEK 168 million (USD18.1 million) was approved to supply the Australian Army with ammunition for the Carl-Gustaf M4 84 mm multipurpose weapon systems ordered by the service in September 2018. The orders are placed within a framework agreement signed by the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) in June 2019, which allows Sweden, Latvia and Estonia to place orders for Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon systems during a ten-year period.
