US Army orders Saab’s Carl-Gustaf

Saab has announced that it has signed a new contract with the US Army for its Carl-Gustaf man-portable weapon system. This order, valued at $31 million (approximately MSEK 205), marks the second time the US Army has bought the 84mm recoilless rifle system to equip its forces.

The Carl-Gustaf system has a successful history, and has successively been modernised and adapted to meet new requirements. A true multi-role, man-portable shoulder-fired weapon, the system is in use in more than 40 countries worldwide. Currently produced as the Carl-Gustaf M3 version, Saab continues to develop this reliable system with the aim to provide a more advanced lighter weight version in the future.

The system offers the soldier various types of ammunition, ranging from armour penetration and anti-personnel, to ammunition for built-up areas as well as special features like smoke and illumination. The M3 version of the launcher features significant weight reduction and improvements for urban operations.

Long in service with US Special Operations Forces, the system has only recently been taken into service by the US Army for its regular infantry units as well.

Saab North America President, Dan-Åke Enstedt, said: ‘The fact that the US Army continues its plans to deploy this game-changing weapon system to its main-line units speaks for itself. The Carl-Gustaf has repeatedly proven itself in the most demanding environments and it is a versatile, powerful tool for the soldier.’