New Zealand to procure Carl Gustaf M4 recoilless rifle

The Carl-Gustaf M4 combines a lighter, shorter design than the M3 with compatibility with advanced fire-control and sighting systems. (ECDI)

The New Zealand Ministry of Defence (MoD) has awarded Saab a contract to deliver 26 Carl Gustaf M4 recoilless weapon systems to the New Zealand Army, a New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) spokesperson has told Janes.

The systems are expected to be delivered in the first quarter of 2027, the spokesperson added. The value of the contract, which also includes associated equipment, was not disclosed.

The spokesperson said that, on entering service with the New Zealand Army, the M4 will replace the M3 variant, which has been in operation since the early 2010s. “The M3 system has reached the end of its scheduled life,” the spokesperson added.

According to the spokesperson, the M4 will replace the M3 across all New Zealand Army units currently equipped with the weapon, including the 1st Battalion and 2nd/1st Battalion of the Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment, 16 Field Regiment, and the Combat School.

The acquisition supports New Zealand's wider defence modernisation programme under the 2025 Defence Capability Plan, which allocates NZD12 billion (USD7.1 billion) for capability investments from 2025 to 2028. No follow-on M4 orders have been announced.

Both variants are chambered for 84 mm ammunition and can engage armoured vehicles, structures, and personnel. The M4 weighs 6.7 kg and is less than 1 m long, compared with approximately 10 kg and 1.13 m for the M3.

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