Hungary Receives Final Batch of SAAB Carl Gustaf M4 Anti-Tank Missiles To Replace Soviet-Era RPG-7.

The Hungarian Defence Forces (HDF) have officially received the final batch of Carl Gustaf M4 anti-tank guided missiles, marking the successful conclusion of a key procurement project with Swedish defense company SAAB Bofors Dynamics. Hungarian Defence Minister Kristóf Szalay-Bobrovniczky confirmed this delivery on December 27, 2024. The Carl Gustaf M4 system will replace the Soviet-era RPG-7 anti-tank rocket-propelled grenade that has served Hungary’s military for several decades.
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Hungarian soldiers test the newly delivered SAAB Carl Gustaf M4 anti-tank missile system, which will replace the Soviet-era RPG-7 as part of Hungary's defense modernization program. (Picture source: Hungary MoD)

The acquisition of the Carl Gustaf M4 portable anti-tank missile system is part of Hungary's broader National Defense and Armed Forces Development Program. This ongoing modernization initiative aims to enhance the combat capabilities of the Hungarian military, including improving the effectiveness and versatility of its anti-tank and infantry weapons. With the last batch of HEAT 751 grenades delivered, Hungary’s military has now fully transitioned to using the modern Carl Gustaf M4 system, designed to tackle a wide range of threats from enemy armored vehicles to fortified structures.

Minister Szalay-Bobrovniczky emphasized the importance of this procurement, noting that the Carl Gustaf M4 represents a significant leap forward in Hungary’s anti-tank capabilities. "With this delivery, we are completing another successful project within the framework of our ongoing defense modernization program," he said. "The transition to Carl Gustaf M4 anti-tank missiles will ensure that the Hungarian Defence Forces are equipped with cutting-edge technology to respond effectively to modern threats."

The Carl Gustaf M4 is the latest iteration of the Swedish-designed Carl Gustaf series of recoilless rifles, which have been in use for more than 70 years. The M4 model, which entered service in 2014, is renowned for its modularity, lightweight design, and versatility. Unlike older anti-tank weapons, the Carl Gustaf M4 can fire a variety of grenade types, allowing it to be used against different types of targets.

Hungary has purchased five different types of grenades for the Carl Gustaf M4, expanding its operational flexibility. These include the High-Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) 751, primarily designed for use against armored vehicles, the High-Explosive Dual Purpose (HEDP) rounds, effective against both personnel and light vehicles, and the Anti-Structure Munition (ASM), aimed at destroying buildings, bunkers, and other fortifications. In addition, the system can fire Smoke and Illumination rounds, useful for battlefield obscuration and providing lighting in low-visibility conditions, as well as Multi-role ammunition, which enhances the weapon’s ability to adapt to a wide range of combat scenarios.

The Carl Gustaf M4’s ability to fire a broad spectrum of munitions means it can be employed in diverse combat situations, from anti-armor operations to urban warfare and support for infantry. This versatility is one of the reasons it is considered one of the most effective and widely used anti-tank weapons globally, with over 40 countries in its user base.

The RPG-7 has been a mainstay in the Hungarian military since the Cold War, but its limitations have become increasingly evident with the advancement of modern armored vehicles and anti-tank technology. While the RPG-7 remains a reliable weapon, the Carl Gustaf M4 offers enhanced capabilities that are vital for modern warfare. Its precision, range, and adaptability provide the Hungarian Defence Forces with a more potent tool to counter contemporary threats on the battlefield.

The successful delivery of the Carl Gustaf M4 systems also underscores the growing defense cooperation between Hungary and Sweden, with the Swedish arms manufacturer SAAB Bofors Dynamics playing a crucial role in this modernization effort. The contract is seen as an important part of Hungary’s broader strategic goals to modernize its military and strengthen its defense ties within Europe.

With the completion of this project, Hungary’s military is better prepared to face a range of potential threats, from conventional armored warfare to urban and asymmetrical combat. The Carl Gustaf M4 will not only enhance Hungary's defense posture but also contribute to NATO’s collective deterrence capabilities in the region.

The procurement of Carl Gustaf M4 systems is part of Hungary’s ongoing efforts to enhance its defense capabilities as it adapts to an evolving security environment. The country has made significant strides in modernizing its military forces, with future plans likely to include further acquisitions of advanced weaponry and systems. As global defense dynamics shift, Hungary continues to prioritize the modernization of its forces, ensuring that it remains capable of meeting the challenges of modern warfare.

As Minister Szalay-Bobrovniczky stated, "This project is another step forward in our commitment to ensuring that the Hungarian Defence Forces remain well-equipped, modern, and capable of responding effectively to any threat."

The delivery of the Carl Gustaf M4 anti-tank guided missiles represents a pivotal moment in Hungary’s defense modernization journey. With the retirement of the Soviet-era RPG-7 Rocket Propelled Grenade and the integration of the highly versatile and advanced Carl Gustaf M4 system, Hungary is poised to enhance its defense capabilities for years to come. This strategic investment ensures that the Hungarian military is better equipped to protect its sovereignty and contribute to NATO’s defense objectives, reinforcing its commitment to regional and international security.