*Christos Loizou

The Swedish SAAB presented its top-tier portable anti-tank missile systems Carl-Gustaf M4, AT4 and NLAW (New-generation Light Anti-tank Weapon) during the Eurosatory 2022 International Defence and Security Exhibition, in Paris.

DEFENCE ReDEFiNED visited SAAB’s booth and discussed with the company’s executives about the various products presented at the exhibition. 

Further to our recent editorial about the Barracuda Soldier System camouflage net (click for more info), in this article we will focus on the company’s wide range of anti-tank weapons and the 84 mm ammunition presented at Eurosatory, which may be in the interest not only of the Hellenic Armed Forces but also the National Guard of Cyprus.

Barracuda Soldier System and AT4 at Eurosatory 2022

More specifically, with regard to the latter, it is known that apart from the APILAS anti-tank system, which has almost reached its lifespan, there is no other disposable single-shot anti-tank or other system currently in service, with similar characteristics of the NLAW, that can be used against Main Battle Tanks.

Also read: Javelin | The anti-tank missile that has become a symbol of the Ukrainian resistance

Carl-Gustaf M4 launcher

To date, the Carl-Gustaf is in service in more than 40 countries. The Hellenic Army is among the users of this weapon and received 2,000 weapons of the M2 version in 1995 as a donation from the reserves of the German Army.

Carl-Gustaf M4 Eurosatory 2022

The Carl-Gustaf M4 is a combat-proven portable multi-role weapon system that is in service in 15 countries. 

Also read: SAAB | Denmark Becomes 15th Carl-Gustaf M4 Customer

The latest M4 version is shorter than 1 meter and weighs less than 7 kg (6.7 kg). The steel-free, titanium-lined barrel and titanium venturi are incredibly strong although lightweight, providing troops with greater manoeuvrability. 

Carl Gustaf M4. ©SAAB

Its maximum range is 500 metres for moving targets, whereas for static targets the range increases to 700 metres or even 1 km, if long-range ammunition is used.

The system further features enhanced ergonomics, as it incorporates an adjustable front grip, shoulder rest and an extended carry handle. Therefore, the user can adjust the weapon to suit their needs.  

The Carl-Gustaf M4 also has the capability to fire 84 mm programmable ammunition, which can communicate with the new Fire Control Device (FCD). For additional battlefield support, the system can illuminate tactical areas during night operations, while instant smoke provides an effective tool for binding and screening enemy positions.

It is worth noting at this point the joint program of Raytheon and Saab to develop the GMM (Guided Multipurpose Munition), formerly known as Guided Carl-Gustaf Munition (GCGM). The development of the said munitions began in 2017 and they are intended for future use by Carl-Gustaf and the AT4 disposable single-shot anti-tank system.

The GMM munition will incorporate a semi-active laser (SAL) guidance system and an inertial guidance system (INS). Essentially, it is a multi-role missile capable of engaging various targets (armoured vehicles, fortified positions, buildings, etc.) at distances of 30-2,500 metres and with a Circular Error Probability (CEP) of less than 1 metre. The weight of GMM is about 6.8 kg. 

The Carl-Gustaf M4 is also compatible with a wide range of sights to ensure maximum effect in any tactical situation. The system is connected with a standard telescopic device, with additional options available, such as the red dot sight and the 558 fire control device (FCD) with integrated ballistic data for all types of ammunition available including temperature and air pressure sensors. 

The Garl-Gustaf M4 is also compatible with a wide range of sights to ensure a maximum effect in any tactical situation. The system is connected with a standard telescopic device, with additional options available, such as the red dot sight and a 558 fire control device (FCD) with integrated ballistic data for all types of ammunition available as well as temperature and air pressure sensors. 

Fire Control Device FCD 558. ©SAAB

The M4 version also incorporates an extra safety device, which allows the system to be carried while loaded as well as a round counter for improved logistics and maintenance. The weapon is fully compatible with older versions of 84 mm ammunition.

Carl-Gustaf 84 mm ammunition

In addition to what we have presented with regard to the GMM, the following types of ammunition were presented at Eurosatory:

During the exhibition the following types of ammunition were showcased:

• 84 mm HEDP 502/502 RS, weighing 3.3 kg and with an effective range of 500 metres against armoured vehicles and troops in fortified positions 
• 84 mm MT 756, weighting 4.4 kg and with an effective range of 600 metres against light armoured vehicles and and troops in fortified positions
• 84 mm ASM 509, weighting 4.2 kg and with an effective range of 300 metres against structures, light armoured vehicles and troops in fortified positions
• 84 mm HEAT 551, weighing 3.2 kg and with an effective range of 700 metres against armoured vehicles and Main Battle Tanks
• 84 mm HEAT 551C RS, weighing 3.5 kg and with an effective range of 700 metres against armoured vehicles and Main Battle Tanks
• 84 mm HEAT 655 CS, weighting 4.8 kg and with an effective range of 300 metres against armoured vehicles and Main Battle Tanks
• 84 mm HEAT 751, weighing 3.8 kg and with an effective range of 700 metres against armoured vehicles and Main Battle Tanks equipped with explosive reactive armour (ERA)
• 84 mm ADM 401, weighing 2.7 kg and with an effective range of 100 metres against personnel in open space and soft-skinned vehicles
• 84 mm HE 441D/441D RS, weighing 3.2 kg and with an effective range of 1300 metres (point targets)/ 1250 (area targets) against personnel and light tactical vehicles
• 84 mm ILLUM 545C, weighing 3.1 kg and with an effective range of 300 – 2,100 metres with the capability of illuminating an area of ​​400 – 500 metres for 30 seconds
• 84 mm SMOKE 469C, weighing 3.1 kg with an effective range up to1300 metres
• 84 mm TPT 141, weighing 2.5 kg (target practice tracer round) with a range of 300 metres
• 84 mm TP 552, weighing 3.2 kg (target practice round) with a range of 700 metres

In addition to these ammunitions, the following are also available: 

• 84 mm HE 448, weighing 2.6 kg with an effective range of more than 1500 metres (Airburst or Detonation at Impact) against personnel in open terrain and light vehicles
• 20 mm subcaliber weighing 4.5 kg (training ammunition) with a range of 300 metres
• 7.62 mm subcaliber 553B weighing 4.5 kg (tracer training ammunition) with a range of 700 metres

SAAB 84 mm family of ammunition at Eurosatory 2022

AT4 disposable single-shot anti tank system

The AT4 disposable anti-tank system, also features a 84 mm calibre and is available in six different versions for a variety of different missions. It is worth noting that all versions are fitted with a red dot sight. AT4 has been manufactured in more than 1 million pieces and currently is in use in more than 15 countries.

AT4 at Eurosatory 2022

The AT4 family of anti-tank weapon systems includes: 

• AT4 HEAT: Weighing less than 7 kg with an effective range of 300 metres and a piercing capability of 350 mm Rolled Homogeneous Armour (RHA)
• AT4CS AST (Confined Space Anti-Structure Tandem-warhead): Weighing about 9 kg with an effective range of 200 metres. It can be fired from confined spaces, e.g. inside buildings
• AT4CS ER (Confined Space Extender Range): Weighing less than 9 kg with an effective range of 600 metres and a piercing capability of 460 mm RHA. It can also be fired from confined spaces
• AT4CS HE (Confined Space High Explosive): Weighing less than 9 kg with an effective range of 600 metres either with impact fuze or airburst mode (ABM) with a range of up to 1000 metres. It can also be fired from confined spaces
• AT4CS HP (Confined Space High Penetration): Weighing less than 8 kg with an effective range of 300 metres and a piercing capability of 460 mm RHA. It can also be fired from confined spaces
• AT4CS RS (Confined Space Reduced Sensitivity): Bi-metal alloy warhead for enhanced destruction after piercing, weighing less than 8 kg with an effective range of 300 metres and a piercing capability of 350 mm RHA. It can also be fired from confined spaces 

Instructions for Use AT4 from confined spaces

It is noted that the AT4 has also been deployed in Ukraine with considerable success by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.

Last but not least, the DEFENCE ReDEFiNED team had the chance to see up close the renowned NLAW.  NLAW is the product of joint development of a portable, anti-tank weapon system with Fire-and-Forget technology and Top Attack capability by Sweden and the UK.

NLAW at Eurosatory 2022

The said weapon system has also been successfully deployed in Ukraine. An analysis of this weapon system can be found in the link below.

Also read: NLAW | UK military assistance to Ukraine – VIDEO