Clearer military requirements could unlock UGV market growth
Western armies continue to test uncrewed ground vehicles, but wider procurement will depend on turning ambitions for autonomy into defined operational roles and funded requirements.
US Army purchases Saab’s recoilless antitank rifle
The US Army conducted a test of the M4, which led to its adoption as the M3E1. (Photo: Saab)
US Army purchases $16 million worth of Carl-Gustaf M4s for use by the Army and Marine Corps.
The US Army has awarded Saab a contract for Carl-Gustaf M4 recoilless rifles as part of the Multi-purpose Anti-Armor Anti-personnel Weapon System (MAAWS) programme.
The order will include deliveries of the weapon for both the US Army and the USMC and has a value of $16 million under the current IDIQ agreement, although the total unit count has not been disclosed.
Erik Smith, President and CEO of Saab in the US, commented: ‘This order will make soldiers and marines more agile thanks to the reduced weight and increased capability compared to the previous version currently in operational use’.
The Carl-Gustaf M4 is compatible with advanced fire control devices and prepared for specialised ammunition. The wide range of ammunition provides tactical flexibility for a range of combat situations.
For example, at the start of this month, Saab showcased its new programmable M4 munition which communicated with the fire control device achieving greater accuracy with the data.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the fourth generation of the widely deployed shoulder-fired 84mm recoilless weapon system weighs under seven kilograms and measures less than 1,000mm.
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