Indian Armed Forces Add AT4CS AST to Their Arsenal – What Makes It a Game Changer?
The Indian Armed Forces – the Indian Army and the Indian Air Force - are a new customer for AT4, a lightweight, man-portable, and disposable weapon known for its simplicity and effectiveness. The weapon system has been selected through a competitive programme.
The Indian Armed Forces' order includes the AT4CS AST, the version that features a tandem warhead with breach and blast modes, with the former optimised for creating entry points for infantry in urban combat, and the latter for neutralising threats inside buildings. Designed for confined spaces, the weapon employs a counter mass to absorb backblast in enclosed areas or near walls, ensuring operator safety and enabling rapid, decisive action without environmental constraints.
All features aside, what makes AT4 tick is its simplicity of use. The system has been designed to ease the burden of soldiers operating in an already high-pressure environment rife with noise, dust and lack of certainty.
"Disposable weapons such as AT4 are easier to use. A soldier of any experience level simply needs to aim, fire and discard the empty tube while the AT4 does the rest. Since the weapon weighs less than ten kilograms, it can be easily carried by every platoon member," says Mats Palmberg, Chairman & Managing Director of Saab India.
"The intuitive design of the weapon system also drastically reduces training time. In just a day or two, troops can be trained to operate the weapon and be battle-ready," Mats adds.
AT4’s intuitive design and straightforward training enable rapid readiness, giving platoons an immediate boost in firepower. Its simplicity allows the weapon to be issued to every soldier, or even every second soldier, significantly enhancing overall combat capability. When multiple operators are strategically positioned, the chances of neutralising enemy forces rise dramatically.
"AT4 is combat-proven; it is actively used by over 20 countries worldwide, with over a million units produced. With AT4CS AST, Indian troops will enhance their ability to take down targets and operate effectively in confined, urban combat environments. The weapon system will give Indian troops the necessary firepower to secure tactical advantage on the modern battlefield," Mats says.