Sweden to Provide AT4 Anti-Tank Grenade Launchers to Moldova
30 January, 2025 AT4 grenade launcher of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Spring of 2022. Ukraine.
Photo credits: Armed Forces of Ukraine Sweden will provide the Armed Forces of Moldova with military assistance in the form of AT4 anti-tank grenade launchers. This was announced by Swedish Defense Minister Pal Jonson.
The total cost of the batch of grenade launchers is reported to be £1.17 million. "Moldova is the target of constant campaigns of Russian influence, and it is in the interests of European security to help Moldova become stronger and safer," the statement reads.
A French soldier from the 7th Mountain Battalion during a training exercise with a disposable AT4 F2 anti-tank grenade launcher
Jonson added that Sweden's increased engagement with Eastern European countries such as Moldova is a key part of Sweden's policy of containing Russia. This policy is aimed at limiting Russia's influence, freedom of action and ability to cause harm.
"Last year, Sweden and Moldova signed a protocol of intent to deepen cooperation in the security and defense sector. I look forward to further cooperation with Moldova in countering hybrid threats, including disinformation," the Swedish defense minister concluded.
Military assistance for Moldova
In December, it was reported that the European Union would provide Moldova with equipment to intercept drones. It is not yet known what kind of equipment is involved. It could be electronic warfare (EW) equipment or other systems.
In August 2024, Germany reinforced the Moldovan border police with Ukrainian-made FurSeal 485 boats.
HMMWV of the National Army of Moldova. Photo credits: Ministry of Defense of Moldova
The donated 38 Dacia Duster vehicles and 5 boats will be distributed among the border police units, where they will contribute to the work on critical sections of the state border. In July, it was reported that the National Army of Moldova would receive 20 HMMWVs from the United States.
AT4 grenade launcher
The AT4 is one of the most widely used disposable hand-held grenade launchers in the world, manufactured by SAAB.
It has several modifications that differ in the type of ammunition. Different variants of the AT4 can effectively engage tanks, heavy combat vehicles and fortifications. The grenade launcher is based on a 1020 mm long launch tube made of aluminum and fiberglass with an internal caliber of 84 mm.
Military with AT4 grenade launchers.
Image: Saab
The maximum diameter, determined by the outer casing and protective elements, does not exceed 150 mm. The weight depends on the type of ammunition and varies from 6.7 to 8 kg. The initial velocity of the grenade reaches 290 m/s.
The target range when firing at armored vehicles does not exceed 300 meters.
The extended range version doubles this distance, and the high-explosive version is capable of hitting targets at a distance of up to 1000 meters.
In total, the maximum range is 2100 meters.