8 December 2014 Saab Group

Defense and Security company Saab has been awarded a contract by the French Ministry of Defence procurement branch, the DGA (Direction Générale de l'Armement), to supply the Roquette Nouvelle Generation, (Roquette NG) next-generation shoulder-launched weapon system for the French armed forces. The first fixed contract is for SEK 295 million. The total programme, including all options, is valued at approx. MSEK 2 050.

The Roquette NG is a general purpose weapon system which will be employed by all three branches of the French armed forces (Army, Air Force and Navy). The contract is a multi-stage agreement with one fixed element and eight consecutive options over the period 2015-2024.

“This procurement is currently the single most important programme on the global market in the disposable shoulder-launched product segment”, says Görgen Johansson, Head of Saab’s business area Dynamics. “The French requirements are comprehensive and exacting, and we are proud that DGA has chosen Saab for this important contract.”

The new weapons are part of the proven AT4CS family and build upon Saab Dynamics’ modular 84-mm product range including the renowned Carl-Gustaf multi-purpose reloadable weapon system and the AT4 family of disposable weapons. Three AT4 variants are included in the contract: AT4CS ER (anti-armour extended range), AT4CS AST (anti-structure and breaching), and AT4CS HE (high-explosive anti-personnel). These weapons provide multi-purpose direct fire support with confined space capabilities. The contract also incorporates an integrated logistics and support package with an extensive training suite, including deliveries of outdoor training simulators from Saab.

Saab has teamed with NEXTER Munitions in Bourges, France, for engineering and logistics support throughout the programme.

“A French industrial base is very important for Saab to be able to offer optimal products and services to the French customer. We are happy to have NEXTER as our partner in Roquette NG,” says Görgen Johansson.