NLAW

The name "NLAW" initially referred to the original British development programme which Saab won the contract for with the "MBT LAW".{{Cite web |title= Main Battle Tank Anti-armour Weapon (MBT LAW) |url= http://www.armedforces.co.uk/army/listings/l0126.html |url-status= live | place = UK |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220119171212/http://www.armedforces.co.uk/army/listings/l0126.html |archive-date=19 January 2022 |access-date=13 April 2022 |website=Armed Forces}} NLAW stands for Next-generation Light Anti-tank Weapon or Next-Generation Light Anti-armour Weapon. The N is short for "Next generation" or "Next-generation", while LAW is an abbreviation of "Light Anti-tank Weapon" or "Light Anti-Armour Weapon". MBT LAW stands for Main Battle Tank Light Anti-armour Weapon. NLAW has since development become the international designation of the weapon, while MBT LAW exists as a designation for the weapon in the British Army.

The name "RB 57" derives from the weapon's designation in Swedish service – robot 57 ("guided missile 57") – which has the abbreviation rb 57.{{Cite news |date=27 December 2005 |title=SEK 500M Order from Sweden for RB 57 NLAW |work=Defense Industry Daily |url= http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2005/12/sek-500m-order-from-sweden-for-rb-57-nlaw/ |access-date=3 March 2022 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120729064611/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/sek-500m-order-from-sweden-for-rb-57-nlaw-01673/ |archive-date= 29 July 2012}} At times the specified form pansarvärnsrobot 57 ("anti-armour guided missile 57"), pvrb 57 for short, can also be found.{{cite web |title=Första skottet med pansarvärnsrobot 57 |url=https://www.forsvarsmakten.se/sv/aktuellt/2008/09/forsta-skottet-med-pansarvarnsrobot-57/ |website=forsvarsmakten.se |publisher=Swedish Armed Forces |access-date=2022-08-30}} The 5 indicates its missile class and the 7 indicates its consecutive number in that class (robot 57 = 7th missile of the 5th class).{{Citation needed|date=September 2022}}

In 1997, the British Defence Procurement Agency (DPA) began issuing invitations to tender for a new man-portable anti-tank weapon, to replace the obsolescent British LAW 80s. Swedish Bofors of the Celsius Group (later bought by Saab AB),{{Cite web |title= Saab and Celsius create leading Nordic Defense Company |url= https://www.saab.com/newsroom/press-releases/1999/saab-and-celsius-create-leading-nordic-defense-company |url-status= live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210614082318/https://www.saab.com/newsroom/press-releases/1999/saab-and-celsius-create-leading-nordic-defense-company |archive-date=14 June 2021 |access-date= 16 April 2022 |publisher=Saab AB |publication-place= Stockholm, SE}} American Lockheed Martin, and German Dynamit Nobel replied with offers; due to the limited spots of the NLAW-trials come January 2001, only the two former were rewarded with Project Definition Phase contracts in 1999. Bofors began development of the so-called MBT LAW the same year.{{Cite magazine |last=Norberg |first= Ylva |date= April 2001 |title=Saab Bofors Dynamics siktar på Storbritannien |url=https://www.aef.se/Flygvapnet/Tidskrifter/FMV_Aktuellt/FMV2001_04.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220413202316/https://www.aef.se/Flygvapnet/Tidskrifter/FMV_Aktuellt/FMV2001_04.pdf |archive-date=13 April 2022 |access-date=13 April 2022 |magazine= FMV Aktuellt |pages= 6–8 |language=sv |trans-title= Saab Bofors Dynamics aims for the United Kingdom |publisher= Försvarets materielverk |publication-place= Stockholm}}

File:B Company 2 Battalion the Parachute Regiment MOD 45167478.jpg

In May 2002,{{Cite web |title=Saab wins contract in Great Britain worth several billion SEK |url= https://www.saab.com/newsroom/press-releases/2002/saab-wins-contract-in-great-britain-worth-several-billion-sek |url-status= live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210228185917/https://www.saab.com/newsroom/press-releases/2002/saab-wins-contract-in-great-britain-worth-several-billion-sek |archive-date=28 February 2021 |access-date= 16 April 2022 |publisher=Saab AB |publication-place= Stockholm, SE}} Saab Bofors Dynamics' MBT LAW was selected as winner over Matra BAe Dynamics' Kestrel (the British derivative of Lockheed Martin's FGM-172 SRAW) in the NLAW-trials. In June, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the British DPA and the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV), who also showed interest in the system. Accordingly, the NLAW-programme became a British–Swedish joint venture (primarily led by the DPA) assigned to Saab Bofors Dynamics (full development and production).{{Cite magazine |last= Lindström |first= Ulf |date= 15 March 2006 |title= Nytt pansarvärnssystem |url= https://www.aef.se/Flygvapnet/Tidskrifter/Protec/Protec01_06.pdf |url-status= live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210506232936/https://www.aef.se/Flygvapnet/Tidskrifter/Protec/Protec01_06.pdf |archive-date= 6 May 2021 |access-date=14 April 2022 |magazine=Protec |page= 30 |language= sv |trans-title=New Anti-tank system |publisher= Försvarets materielverk |publication-place= Stockholm}}

It was developed in Sweden and produced in the United Kingdom, with final assembly done by subcontractor Thales Air Defence. The contract signed in June 2002, between Saab and the two defence authorities, was worth approximately 4.8 billion SEK, including development and serial production; Sweden's share in the serial production was estimated at one billion SEK.{{Cite magazine |last=Böhlin |first= Birgitta |date=2002 |title=FMV tecknar Memorandum of understanding med Storbritannien |trans-title=FMV signs a Memorandum of understanding with the United Kingdom |url= https://www.aef.se/Flygvapnet/Tidskrifter/FMV_Aktuellt/FMV2002_03.pdf |url-status=live |magazine= FMV Aktuellt |language=sv |publisher=Försvarets materielverk |publication-place= Stockholm |page= 35 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220413214045/https://www.aef.se/Flygvapnet/Tidskrifter/FMV_Aktuellt/FMV2002_03.pdf |archive-date=13 April 2022 |access-date=13 April 2022}}

With the finalising of agreements between Sweden and the United Kingdom in 2003, the development of the system continued until 2008, when it entered production in the UK. Deliveries of the weapon began in December 2008; it entered the service of the Swedish, Finnish and British armed forces the following year. It has been estimated that the UK requirement for the British Armed Forces was for 14,000 units, or more; it replaced the obsolescent LAW 80 system and the ILAW (AT4 CS) which was used as a substitute until its deployment. In 2005, the Swedish government placed a first order for 2,000 units from Saab. Finland has placed three orders between 2007 and 2017, for a total of 3,000 units.{{Cite web |title= Finland buys an additional party launchers NLAW |url= https://www.weaponews.com/news/17550-finland-buys-an-additional-party-launchers-nlaw.html |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220415235631/https://www.weaponews.com/news/17550-finland-buys-an-additional-party-launchers-nlaw.html |archive-date=15 April 2022 |access-date=16 April 2022 |website=Weaponews}} This was followed by Luxembourg,{{Cite news |date=14 June 2010 |title=New Customer Nation for NLAW |url=http://www.asdnews.com/news-28563/new_customer_nation_for_nlaw.htm |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222130946/http://www.asdnews.com/news-28563/new_customer_nation_for_nlaw.htm |archive-date=22 December 2018 |access-date=3 March 2022 |work=ASD News |publisher=ASD Media BV |location=Stockholm, SE |publication-place=Amsterdam, the Netherlands |publication-date=15 June 2010 |agency=Saab AB}} Indonesia,{{Cite web |last=Adjie |first=Haryo |date=15 August 2019 |title=Hancurkan Sasaran Eks Panser Saladin, Untuk Pertama Kalinya Saab NLAW TNI AD Diuji Tembak |trans-title=Destroy the Target of Saladin's Ex Panzer, for the first time the Indonesian Army's Saab NLAW is being tested |url=https://www.indomiliter.com/hancurkan-sasaran-eks-panser-saladin-untuk-pertama-kalinya-saab-nlaw-tni-ad-diuji-tembak/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220207142807/https://www.indomiliter.com/hancurkan-sasaran-eks-panser-saladin-untuk-pertama-kalinya-saab-nlaw-tni-ad-diuji-tembak/ |archive-date=7 February 2022 |access-date=9 February 2021 |website=Indomiliter |language=id}} Malaysia,{{Cite news |last=Mahadzir |first=Dzirhan |date=26 July 2018 |title=Malaysia emerges as NLAW customer |url=https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/malaysia-emerges-nlaw-customer/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228093422/https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/malaysia-emerges-nlaw-customer/ |archive-date=28 February 2022 |access-date=15 March 2022 |work=Shephard Media |publisher=Shephard Press |location=Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia |publication-place=London, UK}} and Switzerland.{{Cite news |last=Chuter |first=Andrew |date=28 June 2017 |title=Saab snags $120M Swiss contract for its next-gen anti-tank weapon |url=https://www.defensenews.com/land/2017/06/28/saab-snags-120m-swiss-contract-for-its-next-gen-anti-tank-weapon/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://archive.today/20220119172017/https://www.defensenews.com/land/2017/06/28/saab-snags-120m-swiss-contract-for-its-next-gen-anti-tank-weapon/ |archive-date=19 January 2022 |access-date=3 March 2022 |work=Defense News |publisher=Sightline Media Group |location=London, UK |publication-place=Tysons, Virginia, US}} As of 16 March 2022, the United Kingdom confirmed that it had delivered more than 4,000 of their NLAWs to the Ukrainian military, to be used against Russia during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine.{{Cite web |last=Wallace |first=Ben |date=16 March 2022 |title=Defence Secretary meets NATO Defence Minister in Brussels |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/news/defence-secretary-meets-nato-defence-minister-in-brussels |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220316212233/https://www.gov.uk/government/news/defence-secretary-meets-nato-defence-minister-in-brussels |archive-date=16 March 2022 |access-date=18 March 2022 |publication-place=London, UK |agency=Ministry of Defence}}

Research for a new Swedish light anti-tank guided missile began in the 1990s by the Swedish Armed Forces, for its mechanized infantry which were lacking both tanks and anti-tank warfare weapons. Initially, the project focused on creating as simple and cost-effective a system as possible; after some analysis, the need for a man-portable anti-tank weapon with great effectiveness at short to mid-range emerged.{{Cite book |title=Skjutreglemente: Pansarvärnsrobot 57 |publisher= Swedish Armed Forces |publication-place=Stockholm, SE |publication-date= 2011 |page=7 |language= sv |trans-title= Shooting regulation: Anti-tank missile 57 |id=Libris ID: 12279733}}

In October 1999, the British DPA awarded Bofors (later Saab Bofors Dynamics) with a product definition order to procure a weapon prototype within 22 months, corresponding to the requirements of the British NLAW-programme: To be able to hit a moving target at {{convert |400|m|ft|abbr= on}} and a stationary target at {{convert|600|m|ft|abbr=on}}, with a maximum weight of {{convert |12.5|kg|abbr= on}}; some of the requirements later made by the Swedish FMV were a lowered backblast area, a minimum effective range of 20 metres, and an environmental adaptation for international operations. Saab Bofors Dynamics, the DPA, and the FMV each paid a third of the assessment-phase cost for the MBT LAW, of £18 million. The FMV invested additional money during the NLAW-trials, while the DPA ceased further funding until a contract was signed.

The project gained momentum in 2002–2003 after being selected by the British and Swedish defence authorities, meeting the demanding requirements from both nations.{{Cite web |title= NLAW: Next generation Light Anti-tank Weapon |url= https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/50782943/nlaw-brochure-saab |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220323142333/https://www.yumpu.com/en/document/read/50782943/nlaw-brochure-saab |archive-date= 23 March 2022 |access-date=22 March 2022 |publisher=Saab Bofors Dynamics |publication-place= Karlskoga, SE |via= Yumpu}} Both launcher and missile development was done by Saab Bofors Dynamics in Eskilstuna and Karlskoga, Sweden, using technology derived from earlier Bofors systems; such as the RBS 56B BILL 2 (warhead and guidance) and AT4 CS (confined space capability), as well as some further developments. The United Kingdom and Sweden shared the development costs.{{Cite magazine |last=Af Sandeberg |first=Jane |date= 2008 |title=Koordination med ambitioner |url= https://www.aef.se/Flygvapnet/Tidskrifter/Protec/Protec01_08.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210405173032/https://www.aef.se/Flygvapnet/Tidskrifter/Protec/Protec01_08.pdf |archive-date=5 April 2021 |access-date=14 April 2022 |magazine= Protec |page= 13 |language=sv |trans-title= Coordination with ambitions |publisher=Försvarets materielverk |publication-place= Stockholm}} Full production and delivery was expected to begin by the end of 2006, with the development phase "nearing its end" in 2005 according to Nick Moore (DPA). However, as a result of qualification failures in the tests of November 2006, it was delayed until 2008. Due to the similar requirements made by the Swedish and British defence authorities, the weapon comes with only minor differences in appearance.{{Cite magazine |last= Forsberg |first= Magnus |date= May 2005 |title= Två länder ett vapen |url= https://www.aef.se/Flygvapnet/Tidskrifter/Protec/Protec03_05.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20210405171057/https://www.aef.se/Flygvapnet/Tidskrifter/Protec/Protec03_05.pdf |archive-date=5 April 2021 |access-date=14 April 2022 |magazine=Protec |pages= 18–19 |language=sv |trans-title= Two countries, one weapon |publisher= Försvarets materielverk |publication-place= Stockholm}} It uses a single shaped-charge warhead, as opposed to other comparable missiles that have a tandem warhead.

Saab, who also develops the system software, announced in 2015 that they had been able to optimise the guidance system by fine-tuning its predicted line of sight. An effective range of {{convert |800|m|ft|abbr=on}} and up against stationary targets was demonstrated in April 2014. An effective range of {{convert |600|m|ft|abbr=on}} against moving targets has also been reported.

File:NLAW Live Firing 2nd Battalion, The Parachute Regiment 2021.jpg, firing an NLAW]]

As jobs are often the focus of large material orders, a requirement by the British DPA for signing a contract with the winner was that the production of the system would occur in the United Kingdom. For this reason, Saab Bofors Dynamics contracted UK-based Thales Air Defence ahead of the NLAW-programme—while Lockheed Martin contracted Matra BAe Dynamics. To produce the system, Saab and Thales went on to create Team MBT LAW UK which included 14 subcontractors. As per the agreements signed between the United Kingdom and Sweden in 2002–2003, manufacturing occurred mostly in the UK, with final assembly and test done at the Thales Air Defence facilities in Belfast, Northern Ireland. The weapon went into full production in 2008. The final cost for the MBT LAW contract since the beginning of the NLAW-programme, including the assessment phase, development, and manufacture-license, ended up at approximately £400–437 million.

Team MBT LAW UK, which provided components for the system, included: Thales Air Defence (final assembly); BAE Systems Avionics (inertial measurement unit); NP Aerospace (plastic and composite mouldings); FR-HiTemp (control fins and actuators); Raytheon Systems (electronics assemblies); Skeldings (special purpose springs); Thales Missile Electronics (proximity fuze); MetalWeb; BAE Systems RO Defence; EPS Logistics Technology; Express Engineering; Portsmouth Aviation; ICI Nobel Enterprises; Leafield Engineering. The missile's warhead is made in Switzerland by Saab Bofors Dynamics Switzerland Ltd.{{Cite web |date= 2022-04-06 |title= Waffenlieferungen an Ukraine – Schweizer Gefechtsköpfe gegen russische Panzer |url= https://www.srf.ch/news/international/waffenlieferungen-an-ukraine-schweizer-gefechtskoepfe-gegen-russische-panzer |access-date= 2022-04-06 | publisher = Schweizer Radio und Fernsehen (SRF) |language=de}}

More than 24,200 units have been produced. Depending on which source, it costs: £20,000 (2008); US$30,000 (2022); US$33,000 (2022); US$40,000 (2022). Each unit has a shelf life of around 20 years.

{{Multiple image | align = right | direction = vertical | width = 230

| image1 = Taistelunäytös NLAW 2 Kokonaisturvallisuus 2015.JPG

| image2 = Taistelunäytös NLAW 3 Kokonaisturvallisuus 2015.JPG

| footer = Finnish soldiers simulate the OTA mode on a BMP-2 in a combat demonstration}}

The NLAW is a man-portable, soft-launch, and confined-spaces (saltwater countermass) system, allowing the missile to be fired from almost anywhere; the operator can safely fire through any window of a room no bigger than 4 x 2.5 x 2.5 m (high). The missile is first shot out of the launcher with a low-powered ignition system, after which its main rocket ignites and propels it to the target. Guidance uses a predicted line of sight (PLOS) system. For a moving target, the operator maintains tracking for at least 2–3 seconds. The software embedded in the missile's INS records the operator's aiming movement and extrapolates the flight path needed to intercept the target. After launch, the missile flies autonomously along the pre-programmed flight path, controlled by an inertial guidance system.{{Cite magazine |date= December 2010 |title= Miniaturization of the Infantry Weapons's Components: New Guided Missiles, Programmable Munitions Enhancing The Infantry Precision Fire Effects |url= https://defense-update.com/20101230_infantry_missiles_miniaturization.html |url-status= live |magazine= Defense Update |publisher= Lance & Shield |publication-place= Kadima, IL |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220303151641/https://defense-update.com/20101230_infantry_missiles_miniaturization.html |archive-date= 3 March 2022 |access-date= 3 March 2022}} The system weighs {{convert |12.5|kg|abbr=on}}, with a rocket weight of {{convert|6.5|kg|abbr=on}}; the mass of the warhead is {{convert|1.8|kg|abbr=on}}. It is unnecessary for the operator to consider the target distance (so long as it is within range), or to stay exposed whilst the missile is in the air (fire-and-forget).{{Cite web |last=Roblin |first=Sebastien |title=The NLAW Missiles The U.K. Rushed to Ukraine May Only Be Useful in Desperate Circumstances |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/sebastienroblin/2022/01/25/the-uk-airmailed-2000-nlaw-missiles-to-ukraine-are-they-useful/ |url-access=limited |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220228081651/https://www.forbes.com/sites/sebastienroblin/2022/01/25/the-uk-airmailed-2000-nlaw-missiles-to-ukraine-are-they-useful/ |archive-date=28 February 2022 |access-date=26 February 2022 |website=Forbes |publication-place=Jersey City, New Jersey, US |issn=0015-6914}}

Against tanks and other armoured vehicles, the overfly top attack (OTA) mode is used; the missile flies about one metre above the line of sight, detonating the warhead above the target's weaker top armour via proximity fuze and magnetic sensors. The exact way in which the "combined magnetic and optical sensors" ensure the proper detonation of the warhead is classified. The direct attack (DA) mode is used against non-armoured targets, detonating the warhead on impact via contact fuze as the missile flies on the line of sight. The launcher can be fired only once and is disposed of after use. The operator can adjust the arming distance of the missile, to avoid a premature detonation triggered by the sensors when it flies over non-targets. They can also fire down or up at a 45-degree angle. The method of exploding above the tank by one metre was met with scepticism at the time. Saab had to work hard to show that they could make the system work. Saab NLAW designer Christer Nygren said: “The protection on main battle tanks was increasing all the time...We saw that we needed a new type of attack. But, with the over-the-top attack, you create another technical challenge, which is how to hit vertically down through the roof of the tank when the velocity of the missile is in the forward direction. It’s a tricky thing. Before any contracts were signed we had to present a lot of technical evidence that we could really defeat a tank from the top and get the warhead [to detonate] at the right time.” Saab claims that in 20 years the US designers have not matched the NLAW system's technology. Adding "You give them an hour of training and they can fight the T-90 [the most advanced Russian tank] without a problem.”{{Cite web |date=20 May 2022 |author=Ed Cumming |title='It warms my heart to see Russian tanks blown up – it means our NLAW was a success' |url= https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2022/05/20/warms-heart-see-russian-tanks-blown-means-nlaw-success/|access-date=23 March 2023 |website=The Telegraph}}{{Cite web |date=11 June 2018 |title=5 facts about Saab's NLAW anti-tank system |url= https://www.saab.com/newsroom/stories/2018/june/5-facts-about-saabs-nlaw-anti-tank-system |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220412144741/https://www.saab.com/newsroom/stories/2018/june/5-facts-about-saabs-nlaw-anti-tank-system |archive-date=12 April 2022 |access-date=14 April 2022 | publisher =Saab}} The missile will auto-destruct at the maximum flight time of 5.6 seconds, which is about {{convert |1,000|m|ft|abbr=on}}. It is designed to operate in all climate conditions and environments, from −38 to +63 degrees Celsius.{{Cite web |date=29 June 2017 |title=New Anti-tank To Switzerland |url= https://www.c4defence.com/en/new-anti-tank-to-switzerland/ |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220414014959/https://www.c4defence.com/en/new-anti-tank-to-switzerland/ |archive-date= 14 April 2022 |access-date=14 April 2022 |website=C4Defence}}

File:Холодноярівська піхота знищила російський танк Т-80 03.jpg destroyed by NLAWs]]

Preceding the escalation of the Russo-Ukrainian War by the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, the United Kingdom supplied 2,000 NLAW systems to Ukraine, with another 1,615 delivered by 9 March 2022{{Cite web |last=Allison |first=George |date=9 March 2022 |title=Britain sending anti-aircraft and Javelin missiles to Ukraine |url= https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/britain-sending-anti-aircraft-and-javelin-missiles-to-ukraine/ |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220313040354/https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/britain-sending-anti-aircraft-and-javelin-missiles-to-ukraine/ |archive-date=13 March 2022 |access-date=9 March 2022 |website= UK Defence Journal}}{{Cite news |last=Beale |first=Jonathan |date=9 March 2022 |title=Ukraine: Are arms shipments from the West making a difference? |work=BBC News |publisher= British Broadcasting Corporation |publication-place= London, UK |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-60655349 |url-status=live |access-date=15 March 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220313015026/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-60655349 |archive-date=13 March 2022}} to bolster Ukraine's military.{{Cite news |last=Haynes |first=Deborah |date=20 January 2022 |title=Russia-Ukraine tensions: UK sends 30 elite troops and 2,000 anti-tank weapons to Ukraine amid fears of Russian invasion |url=https://news.sky.com/story/russia-invasion-fears-as-britain-sends-2-000-anti-tank-weapons-to-ukraine-12520950 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220120220418/https://news.sky.com/story/russia-invasion-fears-as-britain-sends-2-000-anti-tank-weapons-to-ukraine-12520950 |archive-date=20 January 2022 |access-date=21 January 2022 |work=Sky News |publisher=Comcast |publication-place=London, UK}} More NLAWs were requested by the Ukrainian military following reports that they proved highly effective against Russian vehicles, leading to at least 100 more being allocated by Luxembourg.{{Cite magazine |last=Atherton |first=Kelsey D. |date=3 March 2022 |title=These are the weapons in the Ukrainian arsenal |url= https://www.popsci.com/technology/ukraine-anti-tank-weapons-explained/ |url-status=live |magazine=Popular Science |publication-place=New York City, NY, US |issn=0161-7370 |oclc= 488612811 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220306144438/https://www.popsci.com/technology/ukraine-anti-tank-weapons-explained/ |archive-date=6 March 2022 |access-date=5 March 2022}}{{Cite web |last=Siebold |first= Sabine |date=28 February 2022 |title= Luxembourg to send anti-tank weapons, jeeps to Ukraine, defence minister says |url= https://www.reuters.com/world/luxembourg-send-anti-tank-weapons-jeeps-ukraine-defence-minister-says-2022-02-28/ |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220228190752/https://www.reuters.com/world/luxembourg-send-anti-tank-weapons-jeeps-ukraine-defence-minister-says-2022-02-28/ |archive-date=28 February 2022 |access-date=5 March 2022 |website= Reuters}} Alongside US FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missile systems, delivered as a precaution against increased hostilities, the Ukrainian forces reported that NLAWs produced far greater damage against Russian armoured vehicles than their standard Soviet-era equipment.{{Cite web |last=Ahronheim |first= Anna |date= 1 March 2022 |title=The weapons that are turning the Russian hunters into prey-analysis |url= https://www.jpost.com/international/article-699010 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220314064831/https://www.jpost.com/international/article-699010 |archive-date=14 March 2022 |access-date=5 March 2022 |website=The Jerusalem Post |publication-place= Jerusalem, IL}} On 24 March 2022, the UK pledged to deliver a further 6,000 NLAWs and a senior Ukrainian military officer also claimed they were the "weapon of choice" for his troops, responsible for 30–40% of Russian tanks destroyed.{{Cite news |last1= Parker |first1=Charlie |last2= Grylls |first2=George |date=24 March 2022 |title=Britain promised extra 6,000 missiles and war funds for Ukraine |work= The Times |editor-last= Brown |editor-first=Larisa |url= https://www.thetimes.com/article/43eb2854-aae8-11ec-8da7-c2b9b8c9eee5 |url-access= subscription |issn=0140-0460}}

File:Российские десантники в бою с украинскими войсками захватили ПТРК и другое вооружение 004.png

An unknown number of launchers were captured by the armed forces of Russia and the pro-Russian self-proclaimed Donetsk People's Republic during the conflict.{{Cite news |date=27 February 2022 |title= Amerikanskij granatomet i raketu NLAW našli na byvših pozicijah VSU |script-title= ru:Американский гранатомет и ракету NLAW нашли на бывших позициях ВСУ |language=ru |trans-title=American grenade launcher and NLAW rocket found at former positions of the Ukrainian Armed Forces |work=Izvestiya |publisher=Inews |publication-place= Moscow, Russia |url=https://iz.ru/1297657/2022-02-27/amerikanskii-granatomet-i-raketu-nlaw-nashli-na-byvshikh-pozitciiakh-vsu |url-status=live |access-date=15 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220227104359/https://iz.ru/1297657/2022-02-27/amerikanskii-granatomet-i-raketu-nlaw-nashli-na-byvshikh-pozitciiakh-vsu |archive-date=27 February 2022 |issn=0233-4356 |oclc=427395058}}{{Cite news |last=Pritchard-Jones |first= Oliver |date=25 February 2022 |title=Horror as Russians capture British anti-tank weapon: soldiers gloat over deadly device |work=Daily Express |publisher=Reach plc |publication-place=London, UK |url= https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1572040/russia-news-ukraine-vladimir-putin-nlaw-british-army-updates |url-status=live |access-date=15 March 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220306114333/https://www.express.co.uk/news/world/1572040/russia-news-ukraine-vladimir-putin-nlaw-british-army-updates |archive-date=6 March 2022 |issn=0307-0174 |oclc=173337077}}{{Cite news |date= 6 March 2022 |title=Vojska DNR zahvatili kompleksy NLAW i Javelin na ukrainskih pozicijah |script-title=ru:Войска ДНР захватили комплексы NLAW и Javelin на украинских позициях |language=ru |trans-title=DPR troops seized NLAW and Javelin complexes at Ukrainian positions |work=RIA Novosti |location=Dontesk, Ukraine |publication-place=Moscow, Russia |url=https://ria.ru/20220306/javelin-1776959129.html |url-status=live |access-date=17 March 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220306170037/https://ria.ru/20220306/javelin-1776959129.html |archive-date=6 March 2022}} A number of these captured weapons were reportedly transferred to Iran as part of a deal to acquire drones.{{Cite web |author=Deborah Haynes |title=Russia flew €140m in cash and captured Western weapons to Iran in return for deadly drones, source claims |url=https://news.sky.com/story/russia-gave-eur140m-and-captured-western-weapons-to-iran-in-return-for-deadly-drones-source-claims-12741742 |date= 9 November 2022|access-date=10 November 2022 |website= Sky News|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20230420211129/https://news.sky.com/story/russia-gave-eur140m-and-captured-western-weapons-to-iran-in-return-for-deadly-drones-source-claims-12741742|archive-date=April 20, 2023}}

NLAWs were the most numerous advanced guided anti-tank missile in Ukraine as of April 2022.{{Cite news |last= Cancian |first=Mark F. |date=12 April 2022 |title=Will the United States Run Out of Javelins Before Russia Runs Out of Tanks? |work= Centre for Strategic and International Studies |publication-place= Washington, DC; USA |url= https://www.csis.org/analysis/will-united-states-run-out-javelins-russia-runs-out-tanks |url-status=live |access-date=16 April 2022 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220517190901/https://www.csis.org/analysis/will-united-states-run-out-javelins-russia-runs-out-tanks |archive-date=17 May 2022}}

File:MBT LAW operators.png

Finland announced missile orders in 2007 worth €38 million.{{Cite web |date=20 December 2007 |title=Puolustusvoimille uusia lähipanssarintorjuntaohjuksia |trans-title=New anti-tank missiles for the Defense Forces |url=http://www.mil.fi/laitokset/tiedotteet/3635.dsp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080408125509/http://www.mil.fi/laitokset/tiedotteet/3635.dsp |archive-date=8 April 2008 |access-date=3 March 2022 |publisher=Finnish Defence Forces |language=fi |publication-place=Helsinki, Finland}} In Finnish service the missile is designated 102 mm raskas lähipanssarintorjuntaohjus NLAW (102 RSLPSTOHJ NLAW) for Finnish speaking troops,{{Cite magazine |last=Heikel |first=Viktor |date=18 January 2022 |title=Storbritannien säljer lätta pansarvärnsmissiler till Ukraina |trans-title=The United Kingdom is selling light anti-tank missiles to Ukraine |url=https://svenska.yle.fi/a/7-10011590 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220126134139/https://svenska.yle.fi/a/7-10011590 |archive-date=26 January 2022 |access-date=16 April 2022 |magazine=YLE |language=sv}}{{cite web |date=28 May 2019 |title=Ohimarssi Jätkänkynttilän sillalla kello 13.15 |url=https://puolustusvoimat.fi/-/ohimarssi-jatkankynttila-sillalla-kello-13-15 |access-date=2022-08-30 |publisher=puolustusvoimat.fi |language=fi}} and 102 mm tung närpansarvärnsrobot NLAW (meaning roughly "102 mm heavy close-in anti-armour missile") for Fenno-Swedish speaking troops.{{cite web |title=Förbimarschen på bron Jätkänkynttilä klockan 13.15 |url=https://puolustusvoimat.fi/sv/-/ohimarssi-jatkankynttila-sillalla-kello-13-15 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220313020217/https://puolustusvoimat.fi/sv/-/ohimarssi-jatkankynttila-sillalla-kello-13-15 |archive-date=2022-03-13 |access-date=2022-08-30 |publisher=puolustusvoimat.fi |language=sv}}

>3,000 ordered:

• 1,500 units ordered in 2007, delivered in 2009–2010, €38 million deal {{Cite web |title=Trade Registers |url=https://armstrade.sipri.org/armstrade/page/trade_register.php |access-date=2023-06-06 |website=armstrade.sipri.org}}
• 1,000 units ordered and delivered in 2015, €36 million deal
• 500 units ordered in 2017, delivered in 2018
• Unknown quantity ordered in 2023, deliveries 2024–2025, €46 million deal {{cite news |url=https://www.mtvuutiset.fi/artikkeli/tama-ase-on-tehnyt-rajua-tuhoa-venajan-tankeille-suomi-hankkii-sita-lisaa-panssarintorjunnan-selkaranka/8630728#gs.em7otg |title=Tämä ase on tehnyt rajua tuhoa Venäjän tankeille – Suomi hankkii sitä lisää: "Panssarintorjunnan selkäranka" |website=mtvuutiset.fi |publisher=Alma Media |date=11 February 2023 |access-date=15 September 2024 |language=fi |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20230211093603/https://www.mtvuutiset.fi/artikkeli/tama-ase-on-tehnyt-rajua-tuhoa-venajan-tankeille-suomi-hankkii-sita-lisaa-panssarintorjunnan-selkaranka/8630728#gs.em7otg |archive-date=11 February 2023}}{{cite web|url=https://valtioneuvosto.fi/paatokset/paatos?decisionId=0900908f8080d931 |title=Hankintapäätös PLM/2023/7. NLAW (New Generation Light Anti-Tank Weapon) -‍panssarintorjuntaohjusten yhteishankinta. |website=valtioneuvosto.fi |publisher=Government of Finland |date=9 February 2023 |access-date=15 September 2024 |language=fi |url-status=live |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20240611092804/https://valtioneuvosto.fi/paatokset/paatos?decisionId=0900908f8080d931 |archive-date=11 June 2024}}

600 units delivered in 2012–2013.

500 units ordered in 2016 or 2017, and delivered in 2018–2020.

2,000 units ordered in 2005, and delivered in 2009–2012. Another 3,000 units order was placed in December 2022 at a cost of 900M SEK for delivery in 2024-2026.{{Cite press release |title=Saab Receives Order for NLAW from Sweden |date=15 December 2022 |publisher=Saab AB |location=Linköping, Sweden |url=https://news.cision.com/saab/r/saab-receives-order-for-nlaw-from-sweden,c3685258 |access-date=15 December 2022 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215215526/https://news.cision.com/saab/r/saab-receives-order-for-nlaw-from-sweden,c3685258 |archive-date=15 December 2022 |via=Cision}} In Swedish service the missile is designated robot 57 (RB 57),{{Cite news |date=27 December 2005 |title=SEK 500M Order from Sweden for RB 57 NLAW |url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2005/12/sek-500m-order-from-sweden-for-rb-57-nlaw/ |archive-url=https://archive.today/20120729064611/http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/sek-500m-order-from-sweden-for-rb-57-nlaw-01673/ |archive-date=29 July 2012 |access-date=3 March 2022 |work=Defense Industry Daily}} or pansarvärnsrobot 57 (pvrb 57) in expanded form, meaning "missile 57" and "anti-armour missile 57" respectively (the 5 indicates its missile class and the 7 indicates its consecutive number in that class = 7th missile of the 5th class).{{Citation needed|date=September 2022}}

4,000 units in 2017 to fill capability gap left by M47 Dragon decommissioning in 2008, and delivered in from 2018.

2,000 NLAW units were supplied to Ukraine by the United Kingdom by 19 January 2022 in anticipation of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Another 100 were sent from Luxembourg following the invasion. As of 9 March 2022, the UK confirmed that it had delivered a total of 3,615 NLAW to Ukraine. As of 16 March 2022, the UK confirmed that it had delivered more than 4,000 NLAWs to Ukraine. As of 15 May 2023, the UK delivered more than 5,000 NLAWs to Ukraine.{{Cite news |date=2022-05-27 |title=What weapons are being given to Ukraine by the UK? |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-61482305 |access-date=2023-09-30 |work=BBC News |language=en-GB}}

Selected in May 2002 for the British Army Next-generation Light Anti-tank Weapon (NLAW) requirement. The system has replaced the ILAW and LAW 80. In British service the missile is formally designated Round, Guided Missile, NLAW (Next-generation Light Anti-tank Weapon), High-Explosive Anti-Tank, K170A1 or K170A2 (GM NLAW HEAT K170A1/A2) depending on the variant (A1 = Mk1, A2 = Mk2),{{cite book |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/897841/DSA_03._OME_Part_3_Volume_2__June_20__Updated_Page_22.pdf |title=DSA 03.OME Part 3 Volume 2 - Defence Code of Practice (DCOP) and Guidance Notes for Ranges |publisher=Defence Safety Authority |page=230 |access-date=2022-08-30}}{{cite book |url=https://www.gichd.org/fileadmin/GICHD-resources/rec-documents/GICHD_Explosive_Ordnance_Guide_for_Ukraine_2022_v18.pdf |title=EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE GUIDE FOR UKRAINE FIRST EDITION |publisher=GICHD |page=124 |access-date=2022-08-30 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221216214836/https://www.gichd.org/fileadmin/GICHD-resources/rec-documents/GICHD_Explosive_Ordnance_Guide_for_Ukraine_2022_v18.pdf |archive-date=16 December 2022 |url-status=dead}}{{Cite book |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/138242/JSP403_Vol2_Chap24_DLRSC.pdf |title=Defence ranges safety |date=20 May 2015 |publisher=Defence Safety Authority |series=JSP |volume=2 |publication-place=London, UK |page=8 |chapter=24. Infantry Anti-Tank Weapon Ranges |access-date=26 March 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220326135107/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/138242/JSP403_Vol2_Chap24_DLRSC.pdf |archive-format=PDF |archive-date=26 March 2022 |url-status=live |number=403}}{{cite web |author1=Laura W. |title=GW Theory A |url=https://www.chegg.com/flashcards/gw-theory-a-1aff81eb-03b1-47ca-a8c2-c964d44df4eb/deck |access-date=2022-08-30}} but the project name "Main Battle Tank Light Anti-Armour Weapon" (MBT-LAW) also appears. The UK donated thousands of NLAWs out of its own stocks to Ukraine, which it plans to replace from January 2023 onwards, followed by "a larger subsequent order".{{cite web |title=Antitank Missiles: Contracts |url=https://www.theyworkforyou.com/wrans/?id=2022-10-31.74550.h&s=defence+%22defence%22+section%3Awrans#g74550.q0 |access-date=12 November 2022 |website=They Work For You}}

• 14,000 units ordered in 2002, and delivered in 2009–2010.
• 7,000 units ordered in 2022, deliveries planned for 2023-2026, £229 million deal {{Cite web |last=Dunlop |first=Tom |date=2022-12-07 |title=Britain orders thousands more NLAW anti-tank weapons |url=https://ukdefencejournal.org.uk/britain-orders-thousands-more-nlaw-anti-tank-weapons/ |access-date=2023-06-06 |language=en-GB}}

Unknown quantity planned to be ordered as of June 2024, to be used as the intermediate solution between the AT4 and the Akeron MP ATGM.{{Cite web |last=Lagneau |first=Laurent |date=2024-06-13 |title=Les régiments d'infanterie vont renforcer leur trame antichar avec des missiles à courte portée NLAW |url=https://www.opex360.com/2024/06/13/les-regiments-dinfanterie-vont-renforcer-leur-trame-antichar-avec-des-missiles-a-courte-portee-nlaw/ |access-date=2024-06-13 |website=Zone Militaire |language=fr-FR}}

100 units ordered in 2010 (50) and 2015 (50), and delivered in 2012 and 2016–2017. (All 102 donated to Ukraine)

• List of rocket launchers
• {{annotated link|Akeron MP}}
• {{annotated link|AT-1K Raybolt}}
• {{annotated link|Alcotán-100}}
• {{annotated link|FGM-148 Javelin}}
• {{annotated link|FGM-172 SRAW}}
• {{annotated link|Karaok}}
• {{annotated link|HJ-12}}
• {{annotated link|Spike (missile)|Spike-SR}}
• {{annotated link|Guided Multipurpose Munition}}

{{reflist}}

• [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1SiIoT87Xts SAAB Bofors MBT LAW video - YouTube]
• [https://www.saab.com/products/nlaw SAAB AB NLAW official product page]

{{DEFAULTSORT:Mbt Law}}

Category:Anti-tank guided missiles of Sweden

Category:Anti-tank guided missiles of the United Kingdom

Category:Firearms of Sweden

Category:Military equipment introduced in the 2000s

Category:Post–Cold War missiles of the United Kingdom

Category:Disposable products