Saab Expands in India: Plans for Anti-Ship Missiles Production

Defense News ,India :-  Saab, a Big Defense Company from Sweden, Doing More in India

Swedish defense company Saab wants to do more in India. They're not just selling stuff; they want to make things here. Recently, they said they're going to make Carl-Gustaf M4 guns in Haryana. Now, they're thinking about making anti-ship missiles too.

What Saab Is Doing in India​

In March 2024, Saab announced they're serious about India. They're not just talking; they're building a factory in India. It's a big place – 3.6 acres – in MET City, Jhajjar. This is the first time they're making things outside Sweden. And what they're making first is the Carl-Gustaf M4 gun. It's a cool gun you can carry on your shoulder.

But they want to do even more. They're looking at making something called the RBS15 anti-ship missile in India. This missile is really powerful. It can hit ships from far away – more than 300 kilometers – and it has a big warhead.

Looking at the Air-Launched RBS15​

Saab really likes the air-launched version of the RBS15. They're thinking about this because they want to sell their Gripen-E fighter jets to India. If they can make RBS15 missiles in India too, they can offer a package deal. This might help them win the contract to sell those fighter jets to India.

Dealing with Complications​

But making RBS15 missiles in India isn't simple. Saab needs India to say they want to buy these missiles. Also, India's own defense research organization, DRDO, is making its own anti-ship missiles. If India decides to use their own missiles, Saab might not make RBS15 in India after all.

What This Means​

Saab doing more in India shows that India and Sweden are getting closer. It's not just about business; it's about becoming partners in defense.

We're not sure yet if Saab will make RBS15 missiles in India. It depends on a lot of things. But what's clear is that Saab wants to stay in India for a long time and help make India's defense stronger.