Defense Career
Ground Warfare

Saab Receives Carl-Gustaf Recoilless Rifle Order from Japan Self-Defense Forces

218
×

Saab Receives Carl-Gustaf Recoilless Rifle Order from Japan Self-Defense Forces

Share this article
Carl-Gustaf Recoilless Rifle
Carl-Gustaf Recoilless Rifle

Saab has received an order from the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JGSDF) for the supply of the man-portable, multi-role weapon system Carl-Gustaf. The order includes over 300 systems and deliveries will take place in 2025. Carl-Gustaf is a man-portable multi-role weapon system that provides high tactical flexibility through its wide range of ammunition types. It is extremely light-weight, and has established itself as the main shoulder launched weapon in many countries. It has been in use with the Japan Self-Defense Forces since 1979. Saab has had a strong presence in Japan since the 1950s, working closely with Japan’s government agencies to provide products and solutions such as Training solutions, Signature management systems, Carl-Gustaf multi-role weapon system, Patrol aircraft and Maritime traffic management system.

Set to become the standard fire control system for the Carl-Gustaf system, the FCD 558 can be easily fitted with a standard optical sight via a picatinny rail. The FCD 558 is electro-mechanical, allowing for direct communication with a chambered round.
Set to become the standard fire control system for the Carl-Gustaf system, the FCD 558 can be easily fitted with a standard optical sight via a picatinny rail. The FCD 558 is electro-mechanical, allowing for direct communication with a chambered round. (Photo by Saab)

The Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle is a Swedish developed 84 mm (3.3 in) caliber man-portable shoulder-fired recoilless rifle, initially developed by the Royal Swedish Army Materiel Administration during the second half of the 1940s as a close-range anti-tank and support weapon for infantry, which has seen great export success around the globe and is today a popular multi-purpose support weapon in use by many nations. Proven to deliver results on the battlefield, Carl-Gustaf provides the effectiveness soldiers need. The wide range of ammunition types for Carl-Gustaf makes it flexible and able to handle any situation, whether it is to defeat an armoured vehicle or structure, or illuminating the battlefield during night operations. While similar weapons have generally disappeared from service, the Carl Gustaf is still in production and remains in widespread use today.

511 Tactical
The HE 448 is a high-explosive round designed for use against enemy forces such as dismounted troops, troops in defilade, and soft skin targets including vehicles. Increased effectiveness – HE 448 covers a larger area of 400 m2.
The HE 448 is a high-explosive round designed for use against enemy forces such as dismounted troops, troops in defilade, and soft skin targets including vehicles. Increased effectiveness – HE 448 covers a larger area of 400 m2. (Photo by Saab)

Production of the initial model was handled by Carl Gustafs Stads Gevärsfaktori led by Försvarets Fabriksverk (FFV) in Swedish service. FFV would continue to further develop the weapon for the international market, later being merged into Saab Bofors Dynamics which handles development and export today. Saab is a leading defence and security company with an enduring mission, to help nations keep their people and society safe. Empowered by its 20,000 talented people, Saab constantly pushes the boundaries of technology to create a safer, more sustainable and more equitable world. Saab designs, manufactures and maintains advanced systems in aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors and underwater systems. Saab is headquartered in Sweden. It has major operations all over the world and is part of the domestic defence capability of several nations.

The Carl-Gustaf M4 offers tactical advantages over its predecessors. The M4 is shorter than one meter and weighs less than seven kilos, so troops can react faster while remaining agile.
The Carl-Gustaf M4 offers tactical advantages over its predecessors. The M4 is shorter than one meter and weighs less than seven kilos, so troops can react faster while remaining agile. (Photo by Saab)

Leave a Reply