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.
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.