Summary and Key Points:
The Next-generation Light Anti-tank Weapon (NLAW), created by Saab and the UK, represents an innovative, compact, shoulder-launched missile system designed specifically for use by foot soldiers.
– It utilizes a fire-and-forget Predicted Line of Sight guidance system and provides two assault modes: Overfly Top Attack and Direct Attack.
-This enables the NLAW to accurately engage heavily armored vehicles, particularly tanks, from distances of up to 800 meters.
-Its performance in the
Russo-Ukrainian war
demonstrated its strategic importance, prompting several nations to embrace it.
-Nimble, adaptable, and deadly, the NLAW marks a significant progression in
infantry capabilities
, specifically designed for urban combat and fast-paced situations
combat environments
.
NLAW: How Ukraine Stalled Russia’s ‘Tank’ Invasion of Ukraine
The Next-generation Light Anti-tank Weapon (NLAW), referred to as the MBT LAW or RB 57, represents an advanced anti-tank missile system created through the partnership between Saab Bofors Dynamics and the UK. Designed for easy portability and use, this fire-and-forget missile launcher has proven to be a crucial component in contemporary combat scenarios, notably during various recent military engagements like those seen in the
Russo-Ukrainian War
.
But what exactly makes it a valuable asset on today’s battlefields, and what
separates
it from its
competitors
?
Development and Design
The NLAW was developed between 1999 and 2008 to provide infantry units with a
lightweight, portable, and highly effective anti-tank weapon
. The system was designed to be used by a single soldier, making it ideal for dismounted troops operating in various environments, including urban areas.
The NLAW was introduced into service in 2009 and has subsequently been embraced by multiple nations such as Finland, Indonesia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Sweden, and Switzerland.
Ukraine
and the UK.
Technical Specifications
The NLAW has a weight of about 12.5 kg (28 lbs) and measures 102 cm (3 ft 4 in) in length, rendering it quite portable.
simple to transport and set up
The missile boasts a diameter of 150 mm (5.9 inches) and features a High-Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) warhead that weighs 1.8 kg (4 lbs). This system incorporates a gentle launch technology, enabling the missile to be discharged from compact areas like structures or foxholes.
The NLAW’s navigation system relies on
Predicted Line of Sight (PLOS) technology
. The operator tracks the target for a few seconds before firing, and the missile’s guidance electronics record the aiming movement to calculate the predicted target route and flight path. This fire-and-forget capability allows the operator to quickly relocate after firing, reducing the risk of counterattack.
One of the main features of the NLAW is its dual attack modes:
Overfly Top Attack
(OTA) and Direct Attack (DA). In OTA mode, the missile flies about one meter above the line of sight and detonates its warhead over the target’s roof, which is typically the most vulnerable part of a tank. This mode is particularly effective against
modern main battle tanks
(MBTs) fitted with enhanced plating. In DA mode, the missile heads straight toward the target and explodes on contact, which makes it ideal for taking out unarmored vehicles and buildings.
The NLAW has an operational range of 20 to 800 meters for accurate fire, with a
a maximum distance of 1,000 meters
Its warhead can breach more than 500 millimeters of rolled homogeneous armor (RHA), even against tanks fitted with explosive reactive armor (ERA).
This degree of penetration guarantees that the NLAW can effectively neutralize even the most heavily armored targets using just one round.
Strategic Impact
The NLAW has emerged as a transformative element in contemporary warfare, notably within the context of the
Russo-Ukrainian War
.
Ukrainian forces
has successfully employed the NLAW to take out multiple Russian tanks and armored vehicles, showcasing the system’s efficacy in actual combat situations. Its mobility, user-friendly operation, and ability to engage targets without further operator input have rendered it an essential asset for foot soldiers navigating intricate and rapidly changing battlegrounds.
The success of the NLAW has also influenced other countries to
adopt similar systems
. For instance, France plans to integrate the NLAW into its military by 2025, replacing the aging
ERYX wire-guided anti-tank missile
. This shift towards portable, high-impact anti-tank systems reflects a broader trend in modern defense strategies, where mobility and flexibility are increasingly prioritized.
NLAW vs Javelin
Several key differences and similarities emerge between the NLAW and other anti-tank systems, such as the
American Javelin
The NLAW and Javelin are both fire-and-forget systems, enabling operators to swiftly move away once they have launched their missiles. Nonetheless, the NLAW has the advantage of being more lightweight than its counterpart.
designed for shorter-range engagements
, making it better suited for urban and tight-space engagements.
In contrast, the Javelin boasts a greater effective range of up to 2,500 meters and employs an infrared targeting system to acquire and lock onto targets prior to launch. Its extended reach makes the Javelin better suited for such engagements.
long-range engagements
In open areas, the Javelin’s warhead has the capability to breach more sophisticated armor types such as Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) and composite armor. Nonetheless, theNLAW gains an exclusive edge with its Over-Head Attack (OTA) feature, which focuses on striking the tank’s weaker top section rather than aiming at its fortified frontal or lateral parts.
Europe’s Greatest Anti-Tank Weapon
The NLAW anti-tank missile represents a major step forward in enhancing the anti-armor abilities of foot soldiers. With its compact, easily transportable structure, two distinct operational methods, and ability to be launched without further operator input, this device serves as an adaptable and powerful tool suitable for contemporary combat scenarios. TheNLAW’s proven effectiveness in battlefields like those seen in the Russo-Ukrainian conflict highlights its importance strategically, prompting various nations to consider acquiring comparable technologies.
With the ongoing evolution of combat tactics, the significance of compact yet powerful weaponry such as the NLAW is bound to escalate. This device enables foot soldiers to disable well-armored adversaries effortlessly and safely, thus establishing a fresh benchmark for anti-tank missiles. Further advancements and distribution of these tools will likely redefine heavy armor engagements, guaranteeing that ground troops stay a critical element on today’s warfronts.
About the Author: Isaac Seitz
Isaac Seitz
, a Defense Columnist, graduated from Patrick Henry College’s Strategic Intelligence and National Security program. He has also studied Russian at Middlebury Language Schools and has worked as an intelligence Analyst in the private sector.
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