Saab is hoping Indian Army places an order for Carl-Gustaf M4 rifles

Palmberg confirmed that Saab hasn’t received an order from the Indian army yet. However, they have found a location for manufacturing. The whole process, from applying for FDI to getting approval, took about six months.

Saab plans to create an Indian subsidiary to manufacture the Carl-Gustaf weapon systems. While their main focus is the Indian Army, they also plan to export the weapon system.

Palmberg said, “There are opportunties elsewhere in the world as well. But having an order from the Indian army to launch production would be extremely important for our domestic manufacturing. For exports we will have to take permission from both Indian and Swedish governments”.

He also mentioned that making Carl-Gustaf rifles in India would create more opportunities to deepen supply chains. He pointed out that foreign-owned companies are currently not allowed to participate in certain defence contracts. He urged the government to give equal opportunities to companies like Saab that are well-established in India.