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Analysis: How Swedish NLAW Proved It Was True Tank Killer in Ukraine.
Among the trends in modern warfare, one stands out: soldiers on the ground remain indispensable for defending and securing territory. Even though drone-led missions are becoming increasingly important, the majority of troops, whether infantry, special forces, or marines, continue to travel on foot to secure tactical positions. At the same time, Main Battle Tanks (MBTs) have become dominant forces in modern conflicts, despite being challenged by the emergence of drones. Equipped with sophisticated weapons and countermeasures, these vehicles act as force multipliers capable of destroying entire buildings. But systems such as NLAW are turning the tables, particularly in Ukraine.
The NLAW is a Next-Generation Light Anti-Tank Weapon, manufactured by Saab. (Picture source: UK MoD)
Against these powerful MBTs, Saab's Next-Generation Light Anti-Tank Weapon (NLAW) offers a formidable solution to ease the burden on infantry troops. Weighing only 12.5 kg, this portable, interference-free system can be easily carried by a single soldier. With its 500 mm armor-piercing warhead, the NLAW can eliminate heavily protected tanks with a single shot.
The NLAW (Next-Generation Light Anti-Tank Weapon), manufactured by Saab and primarily used by British forces, was provided to Ukraine as part of international military assistance following the Russian invasion in February 2022. The United Kingdom was one of the first countries to supply NLAW systems to Ukraine, with an initial delivery of 2,000 missiles in February 2022, followed by additional shipments throughout the year. This system, lightweight and single-use, proved particularly suitable for the needs of Ukrainian forces facing Russian tanks and armored vehicles. Its range of 20 to 800 meters and its ability to penetrate heavy armor made NLAW an effective tool for Ukrainian troops, especially in urban combat and areas where Russian tanks were attempting to maneuver.
The feedback from Ukrainian forces regarding the NLAW has been largely positive, highlighting its ease of use and effectiveness on the battlefield. Ukrainian soldiers quickly mastered its operation, making it a valuable asset for infantry and special forces units. The NLAW has helped neutralize numerous Russian armored vehicles, thus reducing the impact of Russian MBTs on Ukrainian lines. Although the system is not a "game-changer" capable of reversing the course of the conflict alone, it has played a crucial role in defending Ukrainian territory by providing troops with a powerful anti-tank capability against Russian armored forces.
One of the main strengths of the NLAW lies in its combat range of 20 to 800 meters, making it an exceptionally versatile anti-tank weapon ideal for both short and medium-range combat against armored targets. But its capabilities go beyond simple frontal destruction: the NLAW can also neutralize a partially concealed tank. The operator just needs to aim at an exposed part of the tank, such as an antenna, and fire. The missile then flies one meter above the line of sight and strikes the tank from above.
The NLAW is also effective when there are obstacles in the line of sight, such as other vehicles, heat sources, or power lines. The system uses a predictive line-of-sight targeting method, guided by magnetic and optical sensors, allowing the missile to precisely guide itself to the target. The operator only needs a few seconds to aim before firing, and the NLAW takes care of the rest.
Imagine a scenario where the operator needs to target a tank 200 meters away, but a burning vehicle is located 50 meters in between, right between the operator and the target. In this case, the operator simply adjusts the aiming distance to 200 meters. The missile will fly over the first vehicle and then begin searching for the intended target.
Additionally, the NLAW's Direct Attack (DA) mode is designed to neutralize targets such as trucks, buses, or helicopters. This mode is especially suited for urban warfare, where troops may need to operate from inside buildings. When fired through a window, the NLAW can cause significant damage with its fragments.
What makes the NLAW particularly well-suited for modern forces is its single-use design. A soldier can be trained to operate it in just an hour. Unlike other reusable medium-range anti-tank weapons, the NLAW is much easier to use. Other systems typically require two or three men gathered near the firing position, complicating the firing process and increasing response times.
With the NLAW, the response time is much faster. A single operator can carry and use the weapon. The soldier just needs to open the package, take out the weapon, and it’s ready to use. In just five to six seconds, the soldier can move the NLAW from hand to shoulder, set the sights, select the firing mode, and shoot. Once used, the weapon can be discarded, allowing the soldier to quickly move away from their firing position before the enemy can return fire.
I can't help but think that an NLAW mounted on a drone could be an incredibly powerful weapon against modern tanks. The combination of the drone’s mobility and the NLAW’s precision would allow for attacks on MBTs from unexpected angles, often striking vulnerable points such as the top, where the armor is weaker. This setup would offer significant tactical flexibility, making enemy tanks less protected. However, it is important to note that no weapon, no matter how powerful, can change the balance of the battlefield on its own. It must be integrated into a broader strategy that takes into account various variables and countermeasures.