Swedish defence company Saab has announced the successful completion of its delivery of the AT4 anti-armour weapon system to the Indian Armed Forces. This announcement comes just ahead of Aero India 2025, which begins on Monday.
The AT4 is a new-generation, lightweight, and fully disposable rocket launcher designed for individual soldiers. This advanced system will be utilized by both the Indian Army, which awarded the contract in 2022, and the Indian Air Force.
Saab is also making significant strides in establishing local production capabilities in India. The company aims to begin manufacturing the Carl-Gustaf recoilless rifle at its Haryana facility by early next year. This initiative marks a significant milestone as the first defence sector project under the 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) route.
"We have completed the delivery of the AT4. Work at our Haryana facility (on the Carl Gustaf weapon) is on and we are waiting for the industrial licence. We hope to start manufacturing early next year,” said Mats Palmberg, chairman and managing director of Saab India.
In addition to the AT4 and Carl-Gustaf, Saab is actively pursuing the Indian Air Force's Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA) deal with its Gripen E fighter jet. The company emphasizes its ability to deliver the first Gripen E to the IAF within three years of securing the contract, complete with indigenous content and technology transfer.
"We can deliver the first Gripen E aircraft to the IAF within 3 years of the contract. And that too with indigenous content. We will set up a full-fledged manufacturing facility in India with full technology transfer,” said Kent-Ake Molin, campaign director and head of the Gripen for India Programme at Saab. This offer comes as the IAF faces a dwindling fighter squadron strength, which is currently at 31 squadrons against a sanctioned strength of 42.
While Saab will be showcasing its next-generation NLAW anti-tank weapon at Aero India 2025, this system is not currently being offered to the Indian Army. However, the company is keen on pitching its r-TWR deployable system, a mobile air traffic control solution designed for battlefield environments.
According to Palmberg, the r-TWR can be operated remotely and deployed rapidly, taking only one hour to install and easily transportable by a C-130J aircraft.
Saab's participation in Aero India 2025 and its ongoing initiatives in India underscore the company's commitment to strengthening its partnership with the Indian Armed Forces and contributing to the country's defence capabilities.
