Iconic Carl-Gustaf weapon system to be built in India from next year: Saab | India News – Times of India

NEW DELHI: Swedish defence company Saab has announced its plans to manufacture the iconic Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon systems in Haryana, starting next year.
This comes after receiving approval for 100% foreign direct investment (FDI) for the project.

Saab is the first foreign defence producer in India to receive this clearance. The construction of the production facility in Jhajjar has already begun, with a groundbreaking ceremony recently held at the 3.6-acre complex.
Saab’s manufacturing facility in India will be the first outside Sweden for the Carl-Gustaf M4. The company established a new entity, Saab FFVO India Pvt Ltd, to fully own and operate the manufacturing plant. Production of the weapons system is expected to commence next year, with around 100 people being employed at the unit.
The production facility is being built at MET City, a subsidiary of Reliance Industries Limited. Saab aims to partner with Indian suppliers and meet the requirements of the ‘Make in India‘ initiative for the systems manufactured at the facility. The company will deploy advanced technologies, including the latest sighting technology and advanced carbon fibre winding, to manufacture the Carl-Gustaf M4 for the Indian armed forces. Components manufactured at the facility may also be included in systems used by other countries.
Gorgen Johansson, Senior Vice President and Head of Saab’s business area dynamics, expressed pride in constructing Saab’s first facility outside Sweden for the Carl-Gustaf M4. He stated, “We look forward to starting production of our excellent product, now engineered and made in India.”
Sweden’s State Secretary for Foreign Trade, Hakan Jevrell, emphasized the significance of the manufacturing facility for the bilateral relationship between Sweden and India. Jevrell stated, “Saab’s factory will be the first foreign fully-owned defence production facility in India. It is a testament to the strong bilateral relationship between our countries.”
The Carl-Gustaf system has been in service with the Indian Army since 1976 and has become a key shoulder-launched weapon in the country’s armed forces. The weapon systems are widely deployed along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China. The facility in India will support the production of the weapon systems for the Indian armed forces, as well as components for users worldwide. However, exports will be subject to regulatory approvals from the Indian government.
Saab’s commitment to technology advancement and creating a safer world was highlighted in its statement. The company designs, manufactures, and maintains advanced systems in various sectors, including aeronautics, weapons, command and control, sensors, and underwater systems.
The construction of Saab’s manufacturing plant at MET City is seen as a significant milestone for the business destination, attracting global companies from diverse sectors. With its plug-n-play infrastructure and IGBC Platinum-rated certification, MET City has already made a mark as a premier location for doing business. The project has also provided employment opportunities to thousands of individuals.
Saab’s decision to invest in India and establish a manufacturing facility reflects the company’s confidence in the country’s defence sector and its commitment to the ‘Make in India’ initiative. With the production of the Carl-Gustaf M4 in India, Saab aims to strengthen the bilateral relationship between Sweden and India and contribute to the country’s self-reliance in defence manufacturing.