Swedish defense major Saab has initiated the construction of its new manufacturing facility in India, marking a significant milestone in bilateral relations between Sweden and India. The groundbreaking ceremony for the facility, located in the State of Haryana at MET City in Jhajjar, Haryana, underscores Saab’s commitment to establishing a strong presence in the Indian defense industry.
The establishment of the facility, under the newly formed company Saab FFVO India Pvt Ltd, signifies the first fully-owned foreign defense production unit in India. With approval for 100% foreign direct investment, Saab aims to produce the iconic Carl-Gustaf M4 weapon, which has a rich history of service with the Indian armed forces dating back to 1976.
Håkan Jevrell, State Secretary for Foreign Trade, Sweden, highlighted the groundbreaking ceremony as a pivotal moment in the enduring bilateral relationship between Sweden and India. The commencement of construction reflects the shared vision of both nations to deepen cooperation in defense manufacturing and technology.
Görgen Johansson, Senior Vice President and Head of Saab’s business area dynamics, expressed pride in launching the construction of Saab’s first facility outside Sweden. He emphasized the significance of the Carl-Gustaf M4’s engineering and production in India, further strengthening the ties between Saab and the Indian armed forces.
Saab reaffirmed its commitment to fulfilling the “Make in India” initiative by partnering with Indian suppliers and incorporating advanced technologies in the manufacturing process. The facility will deploy cutting-edge technologies, including the latest sighting technology and advanced carbon fiber winding, to produce the Carl-Gustaf M4 and its components.
The Carl-Gustaf M4 boasts a range of ammunition options, including anti-tank ammunition with a range of up to 500m and a maximum range of 1500m. While older versions of the Carl-Gustaf and ammunition are currently manufactured in India by the Ordnance Factory Board and newly established Defense Public Sector Undertakings, Saab’s new facility will focus on producing the latest iteration of the weapon system.
The construction of Saab’s manufacturing facility heralds a new chapter in India’s defense manufacturing landscape, contributing to indigenous production capabilities and fostering strategic partnerships in the defense sector.
