First Carl-Gustaf M4 batch reaches Estonia
Carl-Gustaf M4 recoilless rifle. (Photo: Saab)
The Carl-Gustaf M4 will ‘dramatically’ increase the short-range anti-tank capabilities of Estonian forces.
The first shipment of 300 Carl-Gustaf M4 shoulder-fired 84mm recoilless anti-tank weapons on order from Saab for Estonia has arrived in the country, the Estonian Centre for Defence Investment (ECDI) announced on 9 December.
ECDI placed a joint €1.3 million ($1.43 million) order with Latvia in May 2020 for the Carl-Gustaf M4, with Saab to complete deliveries by 2022.
The M4 will supplement M2 and M3 variants already in use by the Estonian Defence Forces. At 7kg, it weighs half as much as the M2 predecessor and is 13cm shorter.
The new weapons ‘will dramatically increase short-range anti-tank capabilities’, said Ramil Lipp, head of armaments procurement at the ECDI.
Saab designed the M4 to fire three types of armour-piercing ammunition, three types of multi-purpose ammunition to destroy buildings and transport vehicles, and two types of anti-personnel ammunition, as well as smoke and illumination grenades.
‘The Carl-Gustaf grenade launcher is part of the standard armaments of the infantry division, providing units with strong anti-armour capabilities,’ said Maj Risto Pärtel, Chief of Ordnance at the Estonian Defence Forces. ‘The first to receive the new weapons are manoeuvring units, which are the main impact force of the Defence Forces.’
More from Land Warfare
-
![Italy reveals future armoured vehicle upgrade plans]()
Italy reveals future armoured vehicle upgrade plans
Speaking at the International Armoured Vehicles 2023 conference near London, Maj Gen Francesco Olla, Head of III Department (Military Policy and Planning) of the Italian …
-
![How Ukraine Leopard tank breakthrough opens new offensive options for Kyiv]()
How Ukraine Leopard tank breakthrough opens new offensive options for Kyiv
With donations of Leopard 2, Challenger 2 and M1 Abrams tanks to Ukraine all now confirmed, Shephard Defence Insight analyses the implications for the conflict and the NATO nations supplying Kyiv with MBTs.
-
![US Abrams tanks will take 'months' to arrive in Ukraine]()
US Abrams tanks will take 'months' to arrive in Ukraine
As the Pentagon does not have any surplus Abrams tanks in its inventory, it is analysing the best ways to supply Kyiv.
-
![Clearing the way: Mine ploughs for Ukraine]()
Clearing the way: Mine ploughs for Ukraine
The German federal government will supply route-opening mine ploughs developed by Flensburger Fahrzeugbau Gesellschaft (FFG) and Pearson Engineering to Ukraine.
-
![Myanmar unveils new indigenous military vehicles at Independence Day parade]()
Myanmar unveils new indigenous military vehicles at Independence Day parade
Many countries may have sanctioned Myanmar's military junta, but the Southeast Asian nation continues to receive support from nations such as China, Russia and Ukraine.
-
![New Supacat vehicles add off-road recovery capability for British Army]()
New Supacat vehicles add off-road recovery capability for British Army
Based on the 4x4 Jackal 2, the modular 6x6 Coyote Lightweight Recovery Vehicle package permits off-road recovery of light tactical vehicles in challenging environments.
