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Current Affairs

Indian Army to Induct 450 Carl Gustaf M4 Rocket Launchers

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The Indian Army issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) in July 2026 for procuring 450 Carl Gustaf Mark-IV (M4) 84mm lightweight rocket launchers to modernize its infantry capabilities. The M4 variant is lighter than previous M2 and M3 models, enhancing infantry mobility. Production is planned at Saab’s facility in Reliance MET City, Jhajjar, Haryana, which is India’s first fully foreign-owned defence manufacturing unit with 100% Foreign Direct Investment approved. Production began in 2024, with deliveries expected within 12 months of contract signing, supported by 15 years of product support and a 24-month warranty. The system is operational between -20°C and +50°C, suitable for deployment in the Himalayas and desert regions like Rajasthan.

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Key Facts

  • In July 2026, Indian Army issued a Request for Proposal for 450 Carl Gustaf M4 84mm rocket launchers.
  • The Carl Gustaf M4 is a shoulder-fired, multi-role recoilless rifle system developed by Saab of Sweden.
  • The M4 variant weighs under 7 kilograms, lighter than the M2 (about 14 kg) and M3 (about 10 kg) variants previously used by the Indian Army since the 1970s.
  • Manufacturing will occur at Saab’s Reliance MET City facility in Jhajjar, Haryana, which has approval for 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and is described as India’s first fully foreign-owned defence manufacturing unit.
  • Construction of the plant started in March 2024, with production planned to begin later in 2024.
  • The RFP requires deliveries to start within 12 months of contract signing, and includes 15 years of product support along with a 24-month warranty.
  • The launcher is operational in temperature ranges from -20°C to +50°C, aligning with deployment needs in challenging environments such as the Himalayas and the deserts of Rajasthan.

Background & Context

The Carl Gustaf recoilless rifle system has been integral to the Indian Army’s infantry arsenal since the 1970s, initially deploying M2 and M3 variants. The M4 is the latest evolution offering significant reductions in weight to enhance mobile infantry combat effectiveness. The decision to manufacture the M4 in India supports the government’s 'Make in India' initiative aimed at indigenous defence manufacturing and bringing foreign defence investment into the country. Saab’s facility at Jhajjar with 100% FDI approval marks a milestone in allowing fully foreign-owned defence production units under stipulated government policies.

Why This Matters for Exams / Exam Relevance

This procurement exemplifies India’s strategic defence modernization, indigenous manufacturing push, and evolving foreign investment norms in defence. Competitive exams frequently test knowledge on recent defence acquisitions, 'Make in India' policies, foreign direct investment regulations (especially in defence), and platform capabilities. Understanding such defence modernization drives and their technology, manufacturing, and geopolitical implications is important for sections on current affairs, defence, economy, and government policy.

Points to Remember

  • Date of RFP issuance: July 2026
  • Carl Gustaf M4 weight: under 7 kg
  • Previous variants in Indian Army: M2 (~14 kg), M3 (~10 kg)
  • Manufacturing location: Saab’s Reliance MET City plant, Jhajjar, Haryana
  • Plant characteristics: India’s first fully foreign-owned defence manufacturing unit with 100% FDI approval
  • Plant construction started: March 2024; production slated for 2024
  • Delivery schedule: within 12 months post contract signing
  • Product support: 15 years; warranty: 24 months
  • Operational temperature range: -20°C to +50°C, suitable for diverse Indian terrains
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