Saab Australia has been awarded a contract to deliver in-country through-life support for the 84mm Carl-Gustaf M4 recoilless rifle for the Australian Army.  

Under this contract, which spans an initial four years, Saab will deliver maintenance, repair, and the provision of spares for the rifle. The contract comes with two two-year extension options. 

It will also offer operator and maintainer training for Australian Defence Force personnel. 

The initiative aims to ensure assured, agile, and timely in-service support for the Carl-Gustaf M4, as a part of the Short Range Anti-Armour Weapon System support contract.  

The Carl-Gustaf M4 is a portable, multirole weapon system designed to allow dismounted soldiers to manage various challenges on the battlefield.  

Weighing under 7kg and measuring less than 1m in length, the system is backward-compatible with all legacy Carl-Gustaf ammunition. 

The M4 system can be equipped with a standard clip-on telescopic sight, with additional options available, including open sight, red dot sight, and advanced fire control devices.  

Saab Australia managing director Andy Keough CSC said: “Demonstrated to deliver results on the battlefield, the Carl-Gustaf system, is a combat-proven capability that ensures the effectiveness our soldiers need. 

“As a sovereign provider with a demonstrated history in supporting Australia’s land domain, Saab’s local workforce, agility, and unrestricted product access, allows us to rapidly deliver speed to capability for the Australian Defence Force.” 

In August this year, Saab received an order from the UK to provide Carl-Gustaf M4 recoilless rifle training systems for use by the British Army. 

The order provides M4 ‘outdoor trainer’ systems, including replica launchers that provide the same form, fit, and function as the live weapon.