Missile Carl Gustav M3

The system originated in Sweden during the late 1940s, evolving from earlier recoilless rifle designs and infantry rocket launchers utilized during World War II. While previous iterations utilized small-bore penetrators, a larger caliber was adopted to facilitate multi-role shell-type ammunition. The M3 variant was developed in the 1980s to reduce the weight of previous all-steel models by utilizing a thin steel liner reinforced by a carbon fiber outer sleeve.

The weapon is a shoulder-fired, breech-loaded recoilless rifle utilizing a rifled barrel for spin-stabilization. External components are manufactured from plastics and aluminum alloys to further reduce weight. It is typically operated by a two-man crew comprising a gunner and a loader. Sighting systems include iron sights, optical sights, and image intensification systems. Configurations integrated by various militaries include laser rangefinders, thermal imaging, and fire control systems capable of communicating with programmable munitions. Ammunition options include high-explosive (HE) rounds with airburst capability, high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) rocket-assisted projectiles, and high-explosive dual-purpose (HEDP) rounds for use against both armor and structures. Specialized munitions include tandem-warhead HEAT rounds for defeating explosive reactive armor, thermobaric anti-structure munitions, area defense rounds containing flechettes, and smoke or illumination shells. A laser-guided multipurpose munition is also compatible with the system.

The system is widely deployed and forms a standard component of infantry and special operations units in numerous countries, including Sweden, the United States, Canada, Australia, and India. In United States service, it is designated as the Multi-Role Anti-Armor Anti-Personnel Weapon System (MAAWS). Combat use was first recorded during the Congo Crisis in the early 1960s, where it was employed by United Nations peacekeepers in anti-armor and fire support roles. During a 1961 engagement in Elisabethville, a single operator used the weapon to destroy an armored car and multiple enemy positions. The system saw use during the conflict in Afghanistan for engaging targets in defilade and destroying hard cover. In the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the weapon has been utilized to strike main battle tanks and infantry positions.