The Carl-Gustaf M4 has solidified its status as a game-changer in modern combat, offering a tactical advantage that has been recognized and adopted by over 40 countries globally.

This versatile 84mm recoilless rifle has become an indispensable asset for troops, offering an unparalleled combination of lightweight portability, advanced optics, programmable rounds, and a wide range of ammunition types, including anti-tank and anti-structure capabilities.

With a history dating back to the mid-20th century, the weapon system has undergone continuous innovation.

Its current iteration, the Carl-Gustaf M4, delivers tactical advantages through improved speed and maneuverability.

At less than one meter in length and weighing around seven kilograms, it allows troops to respond quickly without sacrificing agility.

This aspect of the Carl-Gustaf system was demonstrated in a gritty real-world scenario in 2013, when American Rangers in Afghanistan had to navigate challenging terrain while carrying the weight of the Carl Gustaf system, highlighting the system’s portability even in the most demanding situations.

The M4 version not only facilitates a rapid reaction on the battlefield but also ensures compatibility with the most advanced technology available to forces.

Its integration with advanced fire control device systems and its backward compatibility with all legacy Carl-Gustaf ammunition underscore its multifaceted design, aiming to equip troops with a flexible and powerful weapon.

The flexibility of the Carl-Gustaf M4 extends to its sighting options, ranging from standard clip-on telescopic sights to advanced red dot and fire control devices.

This adaptability allows for maximum effectiveness across various combat scenarios.

Moreover, the varied munition range covers all conceivable enemy targets, enabling troops to defeat the enemy quickly and with pinpoint accuracy.

The system’s capacity for precision is augmented by a suite of ammunition types designed to address any combat requirement.

From anti-armor to anti-personnel, each 84mm munition is compatible with every version of the weapon, ensuring that forces can adapt to the battlefield’s demands effectively.

Jonathan Ferguson, Keeper at the Royal Armouries Museum, told Forces News: “So we saw in Afghanistan, the American army brought it in, they fleeted it across the whole US army whereas, previously, it was a Special Operations forces-type weapon for blowing up bunkers and things like that.

“They recognised the value of something that’s low cost for the launcher, relatively speaking, and very low cost for the munitions.”