Weapons and Kit

Five New Handheld Weapons On Display At DSEI

Saab's Carl Gustav M4 Rocket Launcher — Carl Gustaf rocket launchers have served with militaries for over half a century.

Carl-Gustaf M4 Rocket Launcher armament types.

Colt Canada's new C20 Sniper Rifle. The manufacturer says the weapon is the most accurate on the market.

Beretta's new PMX-5 Semiautomatic Carbine.

While a lot of attention at DSEI focuses on the high-tech weapons systems of the future, manufacturers of smaller, more traditional weaponry use the conference to show off their new small arms products.

DSEI is a biannual defence and security trade exhibition, this year held at London's Excel Centre. It is the world’s largest gathering of the defence and security community and is used by many manufacturers as a springboard for new technology and announcements of future weapons capabilities.

We have scoured the aisles and selected five of the latest new handheld weapons from all over the world currently being exhibited at DSEI 2021.

The Saab Carl-Gustaf M4 Rocket Launcher

Carl-Gustaf rocket launchers have been in service for over 50 years. However, none of the earlier versions lived up to the impressive high-tech standards of the manufacturer's new M4.

Saab exhibitors told BFBS that the M4 looks set to become the NATO standard rocket launcher after several militaries have already moved to supply units with the system.

Saab describes the M4 as man-portable, multipurpose, providing extreme tactical flexibility through its varied ammunition range, including intelligent ammunition capabilities.

"The reusable weapon is ready for any situation, including close combat, neutralising armoured tanks, enemy troops in defilade, clearing obstacles and engaging enemies in buildings."

Ammo types include multiple varieties of anti-armour rounds with an effective range of 700 metres and dual-purpose high-explosive rounds effective up to 1,300 metres.

Colt Canada C20 Sniper Rifle

This 7.62 mm sniper rifle is said by its manufacturer to be the most accurate system available on the market.

Already in service with the Canadian military, Colt Canada say the C20 has been tested and proven to all relevant NATO D14 standards for safety, functionality in extreme conditions, and endurance, having fired 8,000 rounds with no stoppages.

The weapon weighs 4.1 kg, is 96.2 cm in length, boasts a muzzle velocity of 2,400 m/s and has a barrel length of 44.7 cm.

Beretta PMX-5 Semiautomatic Carbine

One of the more traditional looking semiautomatic weapons on display at DSEI is the Beretta PMX-5.

The weapon was designed to weigh considerably less than comparable systems on the market, with lightweight alloy and polymer materials.

The 9 mm PMX-5 feeds from a 30-round magazine, includes a folding stock, and operates on semiautomatic and fully automatic settings.

The aims of its designers were successfully met; the PMX-5 weighs in at a remarkably light 2.4 kg.

The weapon has been introduced into service by Italian law enforcement organisations.

Steyr Pistols A2 MF And The GLOCK 17 Gen 5

Steyr's new A2 MF pistol is already in service with numerous police and security organisations worldwide. Its specifications include an overall height of 5.6 inches, a magazine capacity of 17 rounds, a trigger reset action system and a synthetic grip with changeable side-plates and back-straps.

GLOCK's generation five has improved precision, versatility, speed and market-leading reliability.

Arguably one of the most recognisable names in the arms industry, this updated pistol can house a magazine of 17 rounds and includes GLOCK's "marksman" barrel.