The US Army has awarded a contract to Saab and Raytheon to demonstrate a new Carl-Gustaf weapon system guided munition.
Under the deal, the two companies will jointly demonstrate the ability of the guided munition with three all-up-round test firings against threat-representative targets.
Go deeper with GlobalData
The new munition has been designed to address a US Special Operations Command requirement to upgrade and enhance the capability of the Carl-Gustaf weapon.
The ammunition features advanced warhead that penetrates light armour, bunkers and concrete structures while minimising collateral damage.
Raytheon Land Warfare Systems vice-president Kim Ernzen said: “The Carl-Gustaf system paired with this new guided munition gives US and coalition dismounted forces a tremendous advantage on the battlefield.
“The munition is intended to enable ground troops to engage multiple targets precisely at distances up to 2,000m, including moving targets.”
With increased range, the equipment will enable the US Army soldiers to safely fire at targets from inside structures or buildings, thereby providing them with enhanced protection and safety.
Built by Saab, the man-portable, shoulder-launched Carl-Gustaf is used by the US Army and other ground forces of more than 40 other countries.
The weapon system has been upgraded and modified to meet the changing requirements of soldiers operating in the most demanding combat environments across the globe.
Last year, Saab and Raytheon entered a partnership to develop weapons for infantry forces.
As part of the project, the two companies will be responsible for overseeing test firing of the guided Carl-Gustaf munition planned for 2020 in Sweden.
