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Saab Global
NLAW

NLAW

NLAW (Next generation Light Anti-tank Weapon) eliminates even the most advanced tanks. It is best-in-class for dismounted light forces that operate in all environments, including built-up areas.

Key features

Powerful warhead, able to defeat any modern MBT
Combat range of 20–800 m
Time from target detection to engagement is approximately 5 seconds

Technical specifications  
Weight12.5 kg
Combat range  20 m – 800 m
Engage timeApprox. 5 seconds
Insensitive munitionYes
Shelf life20 years

The bigger they are, the harder they fall

Developed in 2002 as a single-soldier, short-range, anti-tank weapon system, we continue to work with soldiers to provide the weaponry needed to succeed. Backed by nearly two decades of experience, the resurgence of the tank in battle validates our expertise in this field. It’s the same old story – and David still beats Goliath.

The ultimate tank killer
NLAW
NLAW
NLAW
NLAW
NLAW
The ultimate tank killer
Destroy any target

Tanks are playing an increasingly decisive role in complex battle environments. Tanks have traditionally allowed their operators to hunt opponents in relative safety. NLAW turns the tables by removing this safety level, earning its name as the ultimate tank killer.

Turn the tables

The NLAW gives the enemy something to think about – they can no longer employ traditional tactics when faced with NLAW weapons. Their change in behaviour will force them onto the backfoot and put the odds in your favour. It is best in class for dismounted troops in all environments and terrain, providing the power when you need it.

Lightweight, swift, powerful

The unjammable and man-portable system can be deployed in around five seconds by a single soldier, day or night. With a combat range of 20–800 m and a single shape charge, NLAW is the best anti-tank weapon for infantries and dismounted troops in complex terrain. 

Precision from any position

Extremely flexible, NLAW can attack from almost any position, from up high in a building to behind a tree or in a ditch. You can fire down 45 degrees and can shoot from inside a building, from a basement or from the second floor of a building out of the range of most tanks.

Hitting the target

One of the major challenges facing anti-tank weaponry is hitting the target when obstructed by countermeasures and obstacles, such as other vehicles, heat sources and power lines. No lock-on signature is required. The operator simply tracks the target for a few seconds before firing and NLAW does the rest.

OTA and DA in one

With selectable Overfly Top Attack (OTA) against armoured targets and Direct Attack (DA) for non-armoured opponents and troops inside buildings, NLAW fires perfectly in confined spaces.

NLAW winter

NLAW’s OTA function is effective at just 20 m, making it ideal for short-range combat, even where the tank is behind cover. Its armour-piercing warhead can destroy heavily protected MBTs in a single shot. The system is also extremely effective when the operator can only see a tiny portion of the target. The operator can simply aim at the visible part and fire. The missile will travel one metre above the line of sight before it takes the tank out from above.

In DA mode, NLAW can be used against soft targets like trucks, buses, cars and helicopters. When fired directly through a window into a building, fragments will cause significant damage.

The ideal mix of PLOS guidance and OTA delivers easy handling, great accuracy and high kill probability, every time.

OTA explained

Our NLAW system is an easy system to use. Watch this video to see how it uses PLOS (predicted line of sight) and OTA (Overfly-top-attack) to enable its powerful shape charge warhead hit the tank at it´s weakest point - the turret. Maximising the potential damage to the tank.

Video - 00:18
NLAW

Did you know...

With the powerful OTA, NLAW is the MBT's worst enemy. Here are some interesting facts about NLAW you may not already know.

  • NLAW was developed in a cooperation between Sweden and UK where its designated as Robot 57 respectively MBT LAW 
  • It is the only system that can take out a Main Battle Tank from 20 metres
  • The NLAW can penetrate more than 500 mm armour 
500
mm Armour penetration

More reading

Main battle tanks have become an even more dominant force in armed conflicts. Armed with more sophisticated weapons and counter measures, they are now an invaluable tool in complex terrain.
NLAW
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What is the ultimate tank killer

With tanks playing an increasingly decisive role in complex battle environments, defending forces need an effective anti-tank weapon. Saab’s NLAW system has the portability and fire power needed to stop tanks in their tracks.

What is the ultimate tank killer
NLAW
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5 facts about NLAW

The global political situation is flux. After many years of stability, European nations are concerned about a threat from the east and looking to substantially increase their defences at home. 

5 facts about NLAW

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