Live firing of SAAB missile systems in Vilnius.

Saab has held a demonstration of its dismounted weapons support systems - the NLAW (Next Generation Light Anti-tank Weapon), Carl-Gustaf, and AT4 - at the Pabrade shooting range, located near Vilnius, in Lithuania. The event was an occasion to demonstrate the versatility and effectiveness of its systems when facing a variety of threats.

The SAAB family of shoulder-fired missiles (Picture source: Army Recognition)

The live firing included the engagement of all three systems against targets, which included a tank, armor plates, and reinforced walls. The site near Vilnius was chosen because of the availability of environments which realistically correspond to the various combat conditions that operators of the systems could find themselves in.

The first shooting was performed with the NLAW system against a T-72 tank at 600m which was effectively destroyed. Subsequently, the Carl-Gustaf M4 was used in a multirole capacity with four different types of ammunition rounds: HEAT 551 against steel plate at 500m, HEDP 502 against a wooden wall in delay mode, and later against an APC/Container in impact mode, HE 441 in airburst mode against a mock-up troop formation, and, finally, the SMOKE 469 in a screening capacity. Lastly, the AT4CS AST was used in delay mode against a concrete wall with a 20ft container behind. Then, in breach mode, against a double brick wall to create a breach hole.

The NLAW (Next Generation Light Anti-tank Weapon) is the first ever, non-expert, single soldier anti-tank missile, which allows troops to defeat any main battle tank in just one shot by striking it from above with the Overfly Top Attack (OTA) mode.

Saab’s Carl-Gustaf system, sold to more than 40 countries around the world, employs a wide range of ammunition types. The system allows dismounted soldiers to defeat multiple challenges - from neutralising armoured vehicles to clearing obstacles and engaging enemies in buildings.

The AT4 family is a range of lightweight, man-portable, fully disposable weapons characterised by ease of use and handling. The AT4 is equally effective against threats in buildings and fortifications. It can also be used to protect fixed installations, supply points and other vital assets.