Summary and Key Points: The Next-generation Light Anti-tank Weapon (NLAW), developed by Saab and the UK, is a revolutionary, portable, shoulder-fired missile system ideal for infantry.
-It employs a fire-and-forget Predicted Line of Sight guidance system and offers two attack modes: Overfly Top Attack and Direct Attack.
-This allows the NLAW to effectively target heavily armored vehicles, especially tanks, from up to 800 meters.
-Its performance in the Russo-Ukrainian war showcased its strategic value, leading multiple countries to adopt it.
-Compact, versatile, and lethal, the NLAW represents a major advancement in infantry capabilities, particularly suited to urban warfare and dynamic combat environments.
NLAW: How Ukraine Stalled Russia’s ‘Tank’ Invasion of Ukraine
The Next-generation Light Anti-tank Weapon (NLAW), also known as the MBT LAW or RB 57, is a revolutionary anti-tank missile system developed by Saab Bofors Dynamics in collaboration with the United Kingdom. This shoulder-fired, fire-and-forget missile system has been a significant asset in modern warfare, particularly in conflicts such as 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 entered service in 2009 and has since been adopted by several countries, including Finland, Indonesia, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Sweden, Switzerland, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom.
Technical Specifications
The NLAW weighs approximately 12.5 kg (28 lbs) and is 102 cm (3 ft 4 in) long, making it relatively easy to carry and deploy. The missile itself has a diameter of 150 mm (5.9 in) and is equipped with a High-Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT) warhead weighing 1.8 kg (4 lbs). The system uses a soft-launch mechanism, which allows the missile to be fired from confined spaces, such as buildings or trenches.
The NLAW’s guidance system is based 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) equipped with advanced armor. In DA mode, the missile flies directly towards the target and detonates upon impact, making it suitable for engaging non-armored vehicles and structures.
The NLAW has an effective firing range of 20 to 800 meters, with a maximum range of 1,000 meters. Its warhead can penetrate over 500 mm of rolled homogeneous armor (RHA), including tanks equipped with explosive reactive armor (ERA).
This penetration level ensures the NLAW can neutralize even the most heavily armored targets with a single shot.
Strategic Impact
The NLAW has proven to be a game-changer in modern warfare, particularly in the context of the Russo-Ukrainian War. Ukrainian forces have effectively used the NLAW to destroy numerous Russian tanks and armored vehicles, demonstrating the weapon’s effectiveness in real combat scenarios. The NLAW’s portability, ease of use, and fire-and-forget capability have made it invaluable for infantry units operating in complex and dynamic battle environments.
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 fire-and-forget systems, allowing operators to relocate quickly after firing. However, the NLAW is lighter and designed for shorter-range engagements, making it more suitable for urban and close-quarters combat.
On the other hand, the Javelin has a longer effective range of up to 2,500 meters and uses an infrared guidance system to lock onto targets before firing. This firing distance makes the Javelin more suitable for long-range engagements in open terrain. The Javelin’s warhead can also penetrate more advanced armor, including ERA and composite armor. However, the NLAW’s OTA mode provides a unique advantage by targeting the vulnerable roof of tanks, which is often less protected than the front or sides.
Europe’s Greatest Anti-Tank Weapon
The NLAW anti-tank missile is a significant advancement in infantry anti-tank capabilities. Its lightweight, portable design, dual attack modes, and fire-and-forget capability make it a versatile and highly effective weapon for modern warfare. The NLAW’s success in conflicts such as the Russo-Ukrainian War underscores its strategic value, influencing other countries to adopt similar systems.
As warfare continues to evolve, the importance of portable, high-impact weapons like the NLAW will only increase. By allowing infantry units to neutralize heavily armored targets with minimal training and risk, the NLAW has set a new standard for anti-tank missile systems. Its continued development and deployment will undoubtedly shape the future of armored warfare, ensuring that infantry units remain a formidable force on the modern battlefield.
NLAW Missile: A Story in Photos
NLAW being fired. Image credit: UK Military/Creative Commons.
NLAW missile. Image Credit: Creative Commons.
NLAW anti-tank missile in Ukraine. Image Credit: Ukrainian Military.
NLAW. Image Credit: SAAB.
A soldier is pictured aiming a practice NLAW (Next Generation Light Anti-Tank Weapon). This training aid simulates the real NLAW launcher but fires a laser at armored vehicles equipped to receive the beam.
NLAW system provided by UK.
About the Author: Isaac Seitz
Isaac Seitz, a 19FortyFive 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.
