NATO Support and Procurement Agency NSPA orders Saab AT4 antitank weapons.

Saab has received an order for the anti-armour weapon AT4 from the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA). The order value is approximately EUR 63 million (approximately SEK 700 million) and deliveries will take place 2026-2027. The order was booked in Q4 2023.
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The AT4 stands as an 84mm (3.31 in) unguided, portable, disposable anti-tank weapon designed for shoulder-fired use (Picture source: Saab)

“Our AT4 stands out on the market as a highly sought-after and effective support weapon. We are honoured that the NSPA has trusted our products once again, and they can feel confident that they have a leading single-shot weapon that is robust and reliable,” says Görgen Johansson, head of Saab’s business area Dynamics.

The AT4 series comprises a selection of easily maneuverable, lightweight, and disposable weapons designed for straightforward operation by a single soldier. Capable of countering tanks, heavy combat vehicles, and threats within structures and fortifications, the AT4 also serves to safeguard fixed installations, supply points, and other critical assets.

The AT4 stands as an 84mm (3.31 in) unguided, portable, disposable anti-tank weapon designed for shoulder-fired use. Its production is attributed to Saab Bofors Dynamics, previously known as FFV Ordnance and later, Bofors Anti-Armour Systems. Notably, the AT4 doesn't operate as a conventional rocket launcher, as it lacks a rocket motor to propel its explosive warhead. Instead, it functions as a smooth-bore recoilless gun, distinct from recoilless rifles, which have rifled barrels. Saab has achieved significant sales success with the AT4, establishing it as one of the most prevalent light anti-tank weapons globally. The United States Army utilizes a variant known as the M136 AT4.

The name "AT4" cleverly combines several elements. It plays on the weapon's 84mm caliber, where "84" phonetically resembles "A-T-4." Additionally, it serves as an alpha-phonetic play on its role, as "AT" is a common military abbreviation for "anti-tank." This name was crafted for international export purposes, as "eighty-four" was already a well-known English nickname for the Carl Gustaf 8.4 cm recoilless rifle due to its caliber.

The primary objective of the AT4 is to equip infantry units with a means to incapacitate or destroy armored vehicles and fortifications. However, its effectiveness is limited against more modern main battle tanks (MBTs), particularly those equipped with reactive armor. Its design includes a launcher and projectile packaged as a single ammunition unit, with the launcher being discarded after one use.

Defense News February 2024