Nammo to Supply 800 M72 Anti-Tank Weapons to Malaysian Army.

On July 29, 2024, the Malaysian Army announced the signing of a contract with the Norwegian-Finnish joint venture Nammo for the supply of 800 units of the M72 LAW-EC (Light Anti-Tank Weapon - Enhanced Capacity) to replace aging Russian-made RPG-7 systems. This contract marks a significant step in Malaysia's efforts to modernize its anti-tank arsenal. Although the total value of the transaction has not been disclosed, the average unit price of the M72 LAW-EC is estimated at $1,200. Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The M72 LAW-EC has an effective range of 200 meters and weighs only 2.5 kg (Picture source: Nammo)

The M72 LAW-EC is a modern version of the M72, first introduced in the early 1960s. Known for its lightweight and portable design as well as its armor-penetrating capabilities, the M72 LAW-EC has an effective range of 200 meters and weighs only 2.5 kg.

It is widely used around the world, with 35 countries, including the Turkish Army, having adopted it. In Malaysia, the M72 LAW-EC will replace the RPG-7 in the inventory of the 10th Para Brigade, thereby enhancing the operational capabilities of the country's airborne forces.

The M72 LAW-EC is among the most widely used anti-tank systems and is produced locally in several countries, including Norway and the United States. Nammo has made several improvements to the original design, including modifications to the launcher, warheads, and fuses.

Additionally, Nammo has recently supported the U.S. qualification of a new "fire-from-enclosure" (FFE) solution, allowing troops to fire the M72 from rooms, bunkers, or enclosed spaces without revealing themselves to enemy combatants. This variant, known as the M72 Anti-Armor (A8) and M72 Anti-Structure Munition (A10) in U.S. military service, ensures soldier safety during firing.

Malaysia currently uses a variety of anti-tank systems, including the Carl Gustav 84 mm, the Instalaza C90, and the Saab Bofors AT4, primarily employed by special forces units such as the Grup Gerak Khas (GGK). The M72 LAW-EC will complement these systems by providing a versatile option for engaging lightly armored vehicles, fortified positions, and other hard targets.

This acquisition underscores Malaysia's commitment to modernizing its defense capabilities and ensuring that its forces are equipped with state-of-the-art technology to address contemporary threats.

The contract with Nammo is part of a broader effort to strengthen Malaysia's military capabilities. In addition to its advanced technical features, the M72 LAW-EC is valued for its ease of use and lightweight, making it particularly suitable for the quick-strike, high-mobility missions typical of airborne and special forces operations. The tender for this acquisition will close at the end of July 2024, with the selection process focusing on the weapon's performance, ease of use, and suitability for the challenging conditions faced by Malaysian forces.