NLAW: Sweden’s Next-Generation Anti-Tank Weapon System
In the ever-evolving battlefield, lightweight yet powerful weaponry has become a cornerstone of modern infantry. One such innovation is the NLAW (Next Generation Light Anti-Tank Weapon) — a Swedish-engineered, single-use missile system that delivers lethal effectiveness against heavily armored targets at close range. Developed by SAAB, with collaboration from Thales and the UK Ministry of Defence, the NLAW represents a major advancement in portable anti-armor systems.
NLAW Anti-Tank Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Country of Origin | Sweden |
| Entered Service | 2009 |
| Armor Penetration | 400 - 600 mm |
| Range | 400 - 600 m / up to 800 m (with upgrades) |
| Missile Length | 1.02 m |
| Missile Diameter | 0.15 m |
| Fin Span | Unknown |
| Missile Weight | 12.5 kg |
| Total Weight with Launcher | Unknown |
| Warhead Weight | Unknown |
| Warhead Type | HEAT (High-Explosive Anti-Tank) |
| Guidance System | Inertial, Predicted Line of Sight (PLOS) |
The Legacy of the AT-4 and the Need for NLAW
Building upon the legacy of the AT-4 — a reliable staple in NATO arsenals — SAAB began work in 2002 to design a new lightweight anti-tank missile that surpassed its predecessor. The AT-4 had set the benchmark for disposable rocket launchers for nearly 30 years, but advancing armored vehicle threats demanded more sophisticated capabilities.
With technological input from Thales UK and direct support from British defense authorities, the NLAW was envisioned as an infantry-deployable anti-tank missile offering both mobility and precision. Unlike its American counterpart (M72 LAW) or British LAW-80, the NLAW integrates modern warhead design and targeting capabilities, creating a new class of hybrid launcher-missile systems.
Design and Development: Swedish Innovation with British Collaboration
Known in Sweden as Pansarvärnsrobot 57 (RB 57), the NLAW combines SAAB’s advanced materials expertise and missile guidance technology with British battlefield requirements. The result is a fire-and-forget system designed for rapid deployment and simple use by foot soldiers, even in high-stress combat scenarios.
Its compact dimensions, intuitive firing mechanism, and resistance to extreme conditions make it ideal for urban warfare, forest ambushes, and close-quarter anti-armor engagements.
Key Specifications and Features
- Type: Disposable anti-tank missile launcher
- Warhead: 150 mm High-Explosive Anti-Tank (HEAT)
- Weight: Approximately 12.5 kg (similar to a loaded general-purpose machine gun)
- Length: ~1 meter
- Optics: 2.5x optical sight; optional red dot or night vision
- Effective Range:
- Stationary targets: Up to 600 meters
- Moving targets: Up to 400 meters
- With software upgrades: 800+ meters
- Modes of Attack:
- Overfly Top Attack (OTA)
- Direct Attack Mode
How NLAW Works: Simple Operation, Advanced Impact
One of the NLAW’s most impressive features is its ergonomic and simplified firing mechanism. Instead of a conventional trigger on the launch tube, it features a right-hand grip located behind its distinctive muzzle brake, ensuring intuitive handling.
Guidance and Targeting
Before firing, the user tracks the target for 2-3 seconds. The onboard guidance system records the movement and calculates the intercept trajectory. Once launched, the missile follows a predicted path to strike moving or stationary vehicles with high precision, thanks to Predicted Line of Sight (PLOS) guidance.
Optics and Sights
Each NLAW comes with a 2.5x magnified optical sight as standard. Depending on the mission, red dot sights and night vision attachments can be added, enhancing operational flexibility across different combat environments.
Overfly Top Attack Mode: Neutralizing Modern Tanks
Modern tanks often feature thick frontal armor but are vulnerable from above. The Overfly Top Attack (OTA) mode leverages this weakness. In OTA, the missile flies slightly above the target and detonates its downward-facing HEAT warhead directly over the turret. This ensures maximum damage, even against vehicles protected with Explosive Reactive Armor (ERA) or Active Protection Systems (APS).
Direct Attack Capability: Urban Warfare Versatility
In Direct Attack Mode, the NLAW acts like an oversized AT-4, firing its high-powered warhead in a straight line — ideal for engaging fortified positions, bunkers, and vehicles at extremely close ranges (as near as 20 meters). This makes the NLAW a multi-role weapon effective in both anti-tank and demolition missions.
Controlled Back Blast: Safe Indoor Use
One of the standout engineering achievements of the NLAW is its controlled back blast system, which allows soldiers to fire the weapon from confined spaces such as inside buildings. Its launch venturi, which is narrower (115 mm) than the missile bore (152 mm), minimizes risk to the operator and bystanders during indoor or close-proximity launches.
Limitations and Trade-Offs
As a disposable system, the NLAW is designed for single-use only. Once fired, it cannot be reloaded. While this limits long-term use, it simplifies training, logistics, and deployment.
Range Considerations
Despite being technologically advanced, the standard NLAW has a relatively short engagement range — around 600 meters for stationary targets and 400 meters for moving ones. However, upgraded versions with improved guidance software extend this range to over 800 meters, expanding tactical flexibility.
Global Operators and Battlefield Deployment
Since its introduction in 2009, the NLAW has gained widespread acceptance among NATO members and other European nations. Notable operators include:
- Sweden
- United Kingdom (as MBT LAW)
- Finland
- Luxembourg
Combat Proven in Ukraine
In 2022, amid rising tensions and Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the United Kingdom supplied hundreds of NLAWs to bolster Ukrainian defenses. The weapon proved especially effective in urban and forested environments, where Ukrainian forces used it to ambush and disable Russian tanks with precision and speed.
Longevity and Shelf Life
SAAB claims that each NLAW unit has a shelf life of 20 years, assuming proper storage conditions. This suggests that weapons manufactured during its initial production phase will become obsolete by the end of this decade. With global tensions rising and technological advancements accelerating, many now wonder: Will a successor to the NLAW emerge before 2030?
Conclusion: A Game-Changer in Modern Infantry Warfare
The NLAW has fundamentally altered the landscape of portable anti-tank warfare. By combining simplicity, power, and adaptability into a single lightweight system, it enables foot soldiers to confront even the most advanced armored threats with confidence. As we approach 2030, SAAB and its partners may well be preparing the next iteration of this formidable weapon — one that builds upon the NLAW’s battlefield legacy while confronting the tanks of tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the NLAW and what is it used for?
How does the NLAW missile guidance system work?
What is the maximum range of the NLAW?
• 600 meters for stationary targets
• 400 meters for moving targets
• 800+ meters for upgraded versions with enhanced software
What types of attack modes does the NLAW support?
• Overfly Top Attack (OTA): Targets the tank’s turret from above, ideal against heavily armored vehicles.
• Direct Attack: Fires straight at the target, suitable for fortifications and close-range engagements.
Is the NLAW suitable for indoor or close-quarter use?
Is the NLAW reloadable or reusable?
Which countries use the NLAW system?
• Sweden
• United Kingdom (as MBT LAW)
• Finland
• Luxembourg
• Ukraine, which received hundreds of NLAWs during the 2022 conflict with Russia.
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