Saab and Raytheon are developing a new guided munition for the Carl-Gustaf weapon system, enabling ground troops to precisely engage multiple targets. (Courtesy of Saab)
Saab has, in collaboration with Raytheon, received a contract from the U.S. Army to demonstrate a new guided munition for the Carl-Gustaf® system, with three all-up-round test firings against threat-representative targets.
This new munition answers a U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) requirement to increase the capability of the multirole Carl-Gustaf weapon system built by Saab.
Since 1948, the Carl-Gustaf multi-role weapon has been supporting dismounted infantry around the world in dealing with a full range of battlefield challenges.
The Carl-Gustaf weapon system is used by the U.S. Army and ground forces of more than 40 other countries and has been modernized to meet the changing needs of soldiers operating in the world’s most demanding combat environments.
(Learn More. The Carl-Gustaf M4 is a man-portable multi-role weapon system that provides high tactical flexibility through its wide range of ammunition types. Courtesy of Saab and YouTube. Posted on Oct 13, 2014.)
In 2017, Saab announced its partnership with Raytheon to develop new weapons for infantry forces.
The new munition answers a U.S. Special Operations Command requirement and is designed to increase the capability of the combat proven, shoulder-launched, multi-role weapon system Carl-Gustaf built by Saab.
Görgen Johansson, Senior VP and head of Saab’s business area Dynamics
The new munition is guided which will provide for increased precision against moving targets.
“Collaborating with Raytheon, utilizing their technical and product excellence in combination with our innovative technology solutions, will enhance the already world-leading Carl-Gustaf and AT4 weapon systems with additional capabilities that will further increase the operational benefit for the end user”, said Görgen Johansson, who leads Saab’s Dynamics business.
“Paired with the Carl-Gustaf weapon system, this new guided munition will give U.S. and coalition dismounted forces additional overmatch capabilities against enemy threats on the battlefield”, says Kim Ernzen, Raytheon Land Warfare Systems vice president.
“The munition is intended to enable ground troops to engage multiple targets precisely at distances up to 2,000 meters, including moving targets”.
The munition’s advanced warhead is designed to penetrate light armor, bunkers and concrete structures while decreasing collateral damage.
With increased range, the new munition will offer greater protection for ground troops by enabling them to fire at targets from inside structures or buildings.
Raytheon and Saab will oversee test firing of the guided Carl-Gustaf munition planned for 2020 in Sweden.
