The Lithuanian Ministry of Defense have signed an agreement with Flag of Sweden to acquire Carl-Gustaf anti-tank grenade launcher ammunition for Lithuanian Land Forces (LLF, Lietuvos sausumos pajegos). 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. Procurement of Carl-Gustaf M4 together with earlier ammunition procurements also greatly improves operational capabilities of the Latvian National Armed Forces and paves way for long-term modernization of armed forces.
The Lithuanian Land forces use equipment compatible with the NATO standards. Lithuania is one of 14 countries that have ordered the latest Carl-Gustaf M4 in its modern modification, while Carl-Gustaf grenade launchers are used by several NATO members, including the U.S. Acquisition of the most recent generation recoilless rifle marks another key milestone in Baltic and Nordic cooperation. Joint procurement provides significant economic benefits to Carl-Gustaf M4 users, as well as increasing regional interoperability and cross-training with NATO allied forces. The Lithuanian Land forces also have a history of more than two decades of Saab’s Carl-Gustaf system.
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. M4 (M3E1 in USA) is 3.4 kg (7.5 lb) lighter, weighing 6.6 kg (15 lb), and shorter with a 950 mm (37 in) overall length. Lightweight and multi-role, the Carl-Gustaf increases tactical flexibility, enabling soldiers to deal with any situation.
The Carl-Gustaf M4 is the latest version of the portable, shoulder-launched, multi-role weapon system. It gives users a wide range of engagement options and allows troops to remain agile and effective in any scenario. It builds on the system’s formidable capabilities, offering a higher degree of accuracy, lighter construction and compatibility with future innovations. The M4 is also compatible with future battlefield technology developments such as intelligent sighting systems and programmable ammunition. The new version retains all the effectiveness and versatility of the proven Carl-Gustaf system while introducing a range of major enhancements.
