iscover
The Indian Armed Forces has ordered a tranche of AT4 anti-tank systems from the Sweden-based defence prime.
Saab’s AT4 anti-tank system has been selected by the Indian Armed Forces following a competitive tender process for a single-shot weapon.
The AT4 can be operated by a single soldier and carries an 84 mm calibre warhead.
The contract – signed by FFV Ordnance AB, responsible for Saab’s Ground Combat offer in India – includes the provision of the AT4CS AST variant, which can be fired from confined spaces over an effective range of approximately 200 metres.
The AT4CS AST is built to offer a tandem warhead with a breach or blast mode, designed to target enemies in buildings and to destroy structures.
The systems are expected be deployed by both the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force.
“We are honoured that the Indian Armed Forces, which are already users of our Carl-Gustaf system, have also selected Saab for their single-shot weapon need,” Görgen Johansson, head of Saab’s business area Dynamics, said.
“The Indian Army and Indian Air Force can be confident in the knowledge that they have the necessary firepower to give them the advantage.”
According to Gone Sai Kiran, defence analyst at GlobalData, the deal forms part of India’s defence modernisation plan.
“Modernisation of defence equipment is the key to stay competitive in the modern war environment and if India decides to replace its existing Carl Gustaf with AT4 in coming years, this will be a large program from the Indian Ministry of Defence,” he said.
“Besides, if Saab agrees to manufacture AT4 in India, this contract for AT4 support weapon is expected to provide benefits to the domestic defence market.”
[Related: India acquires Airbus C-295 aircraft ]
