Saab Breaks Ground on First Carl-Gustaf Factory in India, Bolstering Defense Ties with Sweden

Photo Credit: Saab

Saab has initiated the construction of its new Carl-Gustaf manufacturing facility in Haryana, India, marking a significant step in defense manufacturing and the bilateral relationship between India and Sweden. This groundbreaking ceremony celebrates the establishment of Saab FFVO India Pvt Ltd, a company through which Saab will fully own and operate the facility, producing the Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon. This development comes after Saab received approval for 100% foreign direct investment in India.

Görgen Johansson, Senior Vice President and Head of Saab’s business area Dynamics, expressed pride in constructing the company's first facility outside Sweden, especially for a product like Carl-Gustaf, which has been extensively used by the Indian Armed Forces. The new factory is not only a milestone for Saab but also symbolizes the deepening defense cooperation between Sweden and India, according to Håkan Jevrell, State Secretary for Foreign Trade, Sweden.

Located in MET City, Jhajjar, Haryana, the facility benefits from the state's robust industrial base, potential partners, and skilled workforce. Saab plans to partner with Indian suppliers, aligning with the "Make in India" initiative and ensuring the manufacturing process incorporates advanced technologies, including the latest sighting technology and carbon fibre winding.

The establishment of this factory underscores Saab's commitment to producing the Carl-Gustaf M4, a main shoulder-launched weapon system for the Indian Armed Forces, directly within India. This move is expected to strengthen the defense industrial relationship between India and Sweden, further supporting the Indian Army with high-quality, domestically produced defense equipment.