AT4: NATO Orders Proven Anti-Tank Weapon Used in Ukraine
NATO is stocking up with one of the most effective anti-tank weapons in service today. In February, three NATO countries signed a $67.5 million contract with SAAB for AT-4 anti-tank weapons. The munition has played an important role in the Ukrainian military’s defense against the Russian forces.
Summary: NATO is bolstering its anti-tank arsenal with the highly effective AT4 weapon. Used extensively by Ukraine against Russia, the AT4 is a portable missile system capable of destroying armored vehicles. Three NATO countries pooled resources under a special procurement program, securing a bulk order of the Swedish-made weapons. This joint purchase enhances NATO's defenses while saving money and simplifying logistics. Deliveries of the AT4 systems are expected between 2027 and 2028.
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NATO is stocking up with one of the most effective anti-tank weapons in service today.
In February, three NATO countries signed a $67.5 million contract with SAAB for AT-4 anti-tank weapons. The munition has played an important role in the Ukrainian military’s defense against the Russian forces.
AT4 Anti-Tank Rockets for NATO
Three NATO countries came together under the auspices of NATO’s Ammunitions Support Partnership (SP) program to purchase an unspecified number of AT4 anti-tank weapons.
“By pooling their requirements through the Ammunition SP, these nations have streamlined their procurement processes while leveraging the most advanced technology, in addition to capitalise on substantial financial benefits through economies of scale. This in turns will have operational benefits such as simplified logistics, commonality and interoperability,” NATO said in a press release.
By joining forces, the three countries also saved almost $13 million.
Through the Support Partnership mechanism, two or more NATO members can organize and cooperate in procuring systems and services.
“A Support Partnership (SP) is a multinational cooperation mechanism established on the initiative of two or more NATO nations wishing to organise common support and services activities. This support structure is a distinctive feature of NSPA. Participating Nations provide governance and guidance, whereas NSPA develops capabilities and manages Nations' requirements,” NATO added.
“Our AT4 stands out on the market as a highly sought-after and effective support weapon. We are honoured that the NSPA has trusted our products once again, and they can feel confident that they have a leading single-shot weapon that is robust and reliable,” Görgen Johansson, head of SAAB’s business area Dynamics said in a press release.
Deliveries will take place between 2027 and 2028.
The AT4 Anti-Tank Weapon
The AT-4 is a portable, expendable light 84mm anti-tank weapon system ideal for dismounted infantry.
Made in Sweden by SAAB, the AT-4 is one of the most successful weapons in its category, with over a million sales. The anti-tank munition ranges from 200 to 1,000 meters and is known for its extremely easy use.
The AT4 fires a high-explosive 84mm missile at the target and can penetrate up to 18 inches of steel armor, making it highly effective against most armored vehicles, including some main battle tanks. The anti-tank weapon is also quite effective against fortified targets and trench systems. As a lightweight and expandable weapon, the AT-4 gives a lot of firepower to small infantry teams, and special operations forces use it regularly.
The AT4 anti-tank weapon was part of the initial wave of security aid to Ukraine. It helped stop the Russian mechanized forces on their road to Kyiv, Kharkiv, and other Ukrainian cities.
Along with the FGM-148 Javelin and the Next-Generation Light Anti-Tank Weapon (NLAW), the AT4 destroyed hundreds of Russian main battle tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, armored personnel carriers, and support vehicles in the opening days and weeks of the war.
The weapon is quite effective, and it makes sense that NATO seeks to bolster its anti-tank supplies with more AT-4 missiles.
About the Author
Stavros Atlamazoglou is a seasoned defense journalist specializing in special operations and a Hellenic Army veteran (national service with the 575th Marine Battalion and Army HQ). He holds a BA from Johns Hopkins University and an MA from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS). His work has been featured in Business Insider, Sandboxx, and SOFREP. Email the author: [email protected].
