Swedish defence products company Saab announced on Tuesday that it would manufacture its Carl-Gustaf M4 weapons system in India, Reuters reported. Gorgen Johannson, senior vice president at Saab, said the new production facility in India had never been done before in any other country.
Production at the company's new facility in India is expected to begin in 2024, Reuters quoted Gorgen Johannson as saying. "We haven't done this in any other country," Johansson said, according to Reuters.
The Indian armed forces have ordered the Carl-Gustaf M4 recoilless rifle. According to the company, the new facility will support its production as well as components for system users worldwide.
"We haven't done anything like this in any other country," Johansson said.
According to the top official, there has been a significant increase in demand for the weapon system, which can be used against tanks, since the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
"More countries will seek anti-tank capabilities going forward," he said.
Earlier this year, Saab said it would boost capacity to meet rising demand of its Carl-Gustaf M4 weapons system.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine, which Moscow calls a "special military operation", has prompted many countries, including Saab's home market Sweden, to boost defence budgets.
Earlier this week, the global defence company received a support contract for the South African Air Force's Gripen C/D jet fighters' service, repairs, and maintenance. According to a company press release, the order value is over a three-year period.
The contract runs for three years from 2022 until 2025 and covers service, repairs and maintenance as well as minor updates of the support and training systems of the South African Air Forces Gripen system.
(With Inputs From Agencies)