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In a step towards modernising its infantry arsenal, the Indian Army has floated a Request for Proposal (RFP) to procure 450 units of the Swedish-origin 84mm Carl Gustaf Mark-IV Lightweight Rocket Launcher manufactured in India, along with associated accessories and spares.
The procurement aims to enhance the Army’s frontline firepower with a lighter, more accurate, and reliable shoulder-fired weapon capable of operating across India’s diverse combat environments.
According to the RFP, the launcher must weigh no more than seven kilograms and have a barrel life of at least 1,500 rounds or 15 years. The weapon is required to deliver an effective engagement range of 350 to 800 metres while offering improved accuracy and reliability over the existing Carl Gustaf Mark-III variant.
The Army has also stipulated that the launcher should perform reliably in temperatures ranging from -20°C to +50°C, enabling deployment in extreme operational conditions from the Himalayan frontier to the deserts of Rajasthan.
The tender specifies that deliveries are to be completed within 12 months of the signing of the contract.
In line with existing government procurement norms, the RFP bars participation by vendors from countries that share a land border with India, a restriction introduced in response to heightened security concerns and border tensions in recent years.
The procurement conditions place long-term responsibility on the selected vendor, mandating a 15-year product support commitment, a 24-month warranty and Joint Receipt Inspection of the equipment upon arrival in India before induction into service.
The acquisition forms part of the Army’s continuing infantry modernisation programme, which seeks to replace legacy anti-tank and bunker-busting systems with lighter, more lethal and technologically advanced shoulder-fired weapons. The Carl Gustaf Mk-IV is expected to enhance the operational effectiveness of infantry units deployed across varied terrains while strengthening the Army’s preparedness for high-intensity border operations.
Team BharatShakti
