Denmark to Procure New Carl-Gustaf M4s
The Danish Royal Army (Hæren) has selected the improved M4 Carl-Gustaf recoilless multi-role weapon. Saab announced the selection on 5 May and noted that Denmark will become the 15th customer to procure the latest version of the venerable recoilless rifle.
The Carl-Gustaf has been in service with the Danish Armed Forces since the 1970s, with the current system, the M3, is designated the Dysekanonen M/85. Saab announced it has received an order from the Danish Ministry of Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO) for the multi-role, man-portable Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon. Deliveries of the weapons will take place in 2022.
Görgen Johansson, head of Saab’s Dynamics business area, said: “we are ready to supply Denmark with Carl-Gustaf M4. The user-focused design of the Carl-Gustaf M4 will ensure the Danish forces that they will have what they need, when they need it.”
The modernised recoilless Carl-Gustaf M4 has increased tactical flexibility according to Saab. It is compatible with advanced fire control devices and is prepared for specialised ammunition such as Saab’s new programable HE 448 round. Combined these components of the M4 system give improved range and precision.
Saab Unveils New Munition & Fire Control System
At the beginning of May Saab’s newest munition, the programmable HE 448, was fired for the first time in front of an audience at a live fire event in Karlskoga, Sweden. The firings took place 3-4 May 2022 in front of an audience with representatives from 30 different nations,
The demonstration included “shoulder-fired engagements demonstrating the capabilities of the new programmable High Explosive (HE) round.” A new Fire Control Device (FCD), the FCD 558, was also demonstarted at the event. The new programmable round communicates with the FCD 558 via “a new protocol known as Firebolt”. Saab explains that the new system works together with round providing the FCD 558 with “the exact information on round type and propellant temperature and combines this with target distance entered by the operator to determine the best trajectory.” As a result operators will be able to quickly configure a chambered round and so increase its effectiveness and hit probability.
“These firings indicates the increased battlefield capabilities of the HE 448 and that, together with the Fire Control Device 558, it is ready to be delivered to our customers,” said Michael Höglund, head of Saab’s business unit Ground Combat, he explained that “the HE 448 offers increased range and effectiveness against the target and has been developed drawing on our close customer relationships and our understanding of their requirements. The FCD 558 also gives users a new option for equipping Carl-Gustaf with a more efficient sighting solution than the baseline configuration.”
In December 2021, Saab was contracted to deliver the new HE 448 munition and FCD 558 to the Swedish Armed Forces but it has not been announced if Denmark’s procurement of the M4 will include the new Fire Control Device and ammunition.