First Carl-Gustaf M4 batch reaches Estonia
Carl-Gustaf M4 recoilless rifle. (Photo: Saab)
The Carl-Gustaf M4 will ‘dramatically’ increase the short-range anti-tank capabilities of Estonian forces.
The first shipment of 300 Carl-Gustaf M4 shoulder-fired 84mm recoilless anti-tank weapons on order from Saab for Estonia has arrived in the country, the Estonian Centre for Defence Investment (ECDI) announced on 9 December.
ECDI placed a joint €1.3 million ($1.43 million) order with Latvia in May 2020 for the Carl-Gustaf M4, with Saab to complete deliveries by 2022.
The M4 will supplement M2 and M3 variants already in use by the Estonian Defence Forces. At 7kg, it weighs half as much as the M2 predecessor and is 13cm shorter.
The new weapons ‘will dramatically increase short-range anti-tank capabilities’, said Ramil Lipp, head of armaments procurement at the ECDI.
Saab designed the M4 to fire three types of armour-piercing ammunition, three types of multi-purpose ammunition to destroy buildings and transport vehicles, and two types of anti-personnel ammunition, as well as smoke and illumination grenades.
‘The Carl-Gustaf grenade launcher is part of the standard armaments of the infantry division, providing units with strong anti-armour capabilities,’ said Maj Risto Pärtel, Chief of Ordnance at the Estonian Defence Forces. ‘The first to receive the new weapons are manoeuvring units, which are the main impact force of the Defence Forces.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![IDEX 2025: Rafael increases missile and drone defence capability as threats and demands rise]()
IDEX 2025: Rafael increases missile and drone defence capability as threats and demands rise
Rafael president and CEO Yoav Tourgeman, speaking to Shephard at IDEX 2025, has outlined how the company is pushing through air defence programmes in the face of attacks on Israel from rockets, missiles and drones on multiple fronts.
-
![IDEX 2025: Hyundai Rotem highlights advanced features of K2 MBT]()
IDEX 2025: Hyundai Rotem highlights advanced features of K2 MBT
One of the few main battle tanks (MBT) displayed at IDEX 2025 was the latest Hyundai Rotem K2 MBT from South Korea, which has already secured its first export contract with Poland, with initial units delivered.
-
![IDEX 2025: Uzbekistan sets out AFV credentials with family of new designs]()
IDEX 2025: Uzbekistan sets out AFV credentials with family of new designs
Uzbekistan's Havztez Defense rolled out a new family of armoured personnel carriers (APCs) at IDEX 2025, offering another national alternative in an already crowded market.
-
![IDEX 2025: Aselsan introduces new air-burst round with C-UAS mission in mind]()
IDEX 2025: Aselsan introduces new air-burst round with C-UAS mission in mind
Aselsan revealed at IDEX 2025 that it has been developing a 25mm calibre air-bursting munition known as ATOM 25.
-
![IDEX 2025: Sichuan Jinji unveils new ZJ01 all-terrain vehicle]()
IDEX 2025: Sichuan Jinji unveils new ZJ01 all-terrain vehicle
While China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) markets much of the equipment developed in China for land forces, smaller Chinese contractors are also contributing to military vehicle development.
-
![IDEX 2025: Calidus 8×8 Light Infantry Fighting Vehicle enters production]()
IDEX 2025: Calidus 8×8 Light Infantry Fighting Vehicle enters production
The new Light Infantry Fighting Vehicle (LIFV) builds on Calidus’s experience with its Wahash (8×8) vehicle.
