Lithuania is now part of the Baltic framework agreement for the Carl-Gustaf anti-tank weapon. (Photo: Saab)
Saab on 11 January announced a framework agreement with the Lithuanian MoD for the Carl-Gustaf M4 shoulder-fired 84mm recoilless anti-tank weapon and ammunition.
As an initial step, the Lithuanian Defence Material Agency placed a SEK150 million ($16.8 million) order for ammunition as it seeks to improve its short-range anti-tank capabilities and promote interoperability with NATO allies.
Estonia, Latvia and Sweden are already part of the framework agreement. Estonia received its first batch of M4s in December 2021.
Lithuania already equips its ground forces with the Carl-Gustaf M2 and M3 variants, in service since the mid-1990s.
Since the Carl-Gustaf M4 launch in 2014, Saab has signed contracts with 14 different national military customers for the system.
‘The wide range of ammunition provides extreme tactical flexibility, ready for any combat situation, delivering faster engagement, increased hit probability and greater effectiveness,’ the company claims.
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The Czech Republic ordered 52 CAmion Equipé d’un Système d’ARtillerie (CAESAR) self-propelled howitzers (SPHs) in 2021 and added another 10 a year later. A cancellation of the programme would impact both the army’s capabilities and local industry which is involved in the manufacture.
Demand for ammunition continues to increase with manufacturing capability growing to match. Sweden have turned to the two supply lines of Rheinmetall and Nammo as part of a Nordic effort to meet demand. The Polish Government has also announced a US$700 million investment to boost manufacture of munitions.
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The order is in addition to two systems ordered in 2023. It forms part of a family of systems which is becoming widely used and part of a growing demand for the capability, both in deliveries and requirements.
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