The Next-generation Light Anti-tank Weapon (NLAW), a man-portable fire-and-forget missile system, has become a cornerstone in Ukraine’s defense strategy against Russian armored units.
Weighing just 13 kilograms, the NLAW can engage targets at a minimum distance of 20 meters and up to 800 meters,
offering essential versatility for Ukrainian forces in the diverse combat scenarios of Eastern Europe.
Saab, the producer of the NLAW, asserts that its weapon “features a powerful warhead, able to defeat any modern Main Battle Tank (MBT)” with a combat range tailored for rapid engagement, boasting a target detection to engagement time of “approximately 5 seconds.”
The weapon system’s portability and simplicity, aligned with potent destructive capabilities, have substantially contributed to Ukrainian resilience and tactical versatility on the battlefield.
Analysts estimate that the NLAW is accountable for “between 30% and 40% of Russia’s tank losses,” corroborating the system’s effectiveness.
This Swedish and United Kingdom-developed weapon, operating as a fire-and-forget missile, aligns with the U.S.-made FGM-148 Javelin in functionality,
albeit with a shorter range and reduced weight, which allows for increased maneuverability and ease of use for the operators.
A testament to the importance of this military aid, the United Kingdom has delivered approximately 4,000 NLAWs to Ukraine, while the United States has also provided an undisclosed number of these systems.
The significance of such support cannot be understated, as it empowers Ukrainian troops to maintain a robust defensive stance in the face of superior enemy forces, contributing to what has become a protracted conflict of attrition.
In the broader context of Western military support, NLAWs feature alongside other critical systems such as Javelins, Stingers,
and advanced artillery pieces, all of which have played pivotal roles in stalling Russian advances and inflicting considerable attrition upon their armored strength.
This support aligns with the strategic imperative to equip Ukraine with the necessary arsenal to fend off and, potentially, reverse territorial advances made by Russian forces.
The U.S. says it has provided more than 5,000 Javelin systems to Ukrainian troops.
The United Kingdom, Poland and Estonia have all sent small numbers. The Pentagon also says it has sent over 14,000 other anti-armor weapons.
Relevant articles:
– Ukraine’s Secret Weapon: The NLAW Anti-Tank System, National Intererst, 05/26/2024
– Allies are helping build up Ukraine’s arsenal. Here are some of the weapons being sent., AOL, 05/25/2024
– Why does the West need to intensify aid for Ukraine?, Ukrinform, 05/25/2024
– ‘Everyone will fight.’ Ukrainian men weigh their options as new draft law comes into effect, Yahoo News Australia, 05/24/2024