Japan Orders New Carl Gustafs

Japan has ordered more than 300 new Carl Gustaf recoilless rifles. This represents the latest in a series of procurements that will modernize Japan’s infantry weapons. Other recent procurements include the new Type 20 rifle and the HK SFP9.

The older M2 Carl Gustaf has been in service with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces since the late 1970s and Japan is now set to replace them with the newest M4 variant of the multi-role weapon which can be used in conjunction with the new adjustable fuse HE 448 ammunition which can be used in impact mode to destroy soft-skinned vehicles and other semi-hardened targets, or in airburst mode against infantry. The value of the contract Japan has signed with Saab is unknown, however, deliveries of the weapons are expected to begin in 2025.

Saab has received an order from the Japan Self-Defense Forces, JGSDF, for the supply of the man-portable, multi-role weapon system Carl-Gustaf®. The order includes over 300 systems and deliveries will take place in 2025.

Carl-Gustaf is a man-portable multi-role weapon system that provides high tactical flexibility through its wide range of ammunition types. It is extremely light-weight, and has established itself as the main shoulder launched weapon in many countries. It has been in use with the Japan Self-Defense Forces since 1979.

“This order is further proof that our multi-role weapon system Carl-Gustaf meets the high standards of Japan Self-Defense Forces, and we look forward to continuing to support and strengthen their capabilities,” says Görgen Johansson, head of Saab’s business area Dynamics.

Proven to deliver results on the battlefield, Carl-Gustaf provides the effectiveness soldiers need. The wide range of ammunition types for Carl-Gustaf makes it flexible and able to handle any situation, whether it is to defeat an armoured vehicle or structure, or illuminating the battlefield during night operations.

The Carl-Gustaf system has a long and distinguished history, which stretches back to 1948, and is now supplied to more than 40 countries around the world.