In 2022, a video surfaced showing a Ukrainian soldier neutralizing a Russian T-90 tank with a single shot. The weapon responsible? A 12.5-kilometer shoulder-fired marvel designed to exploit a critical vulnerability in modern armor: the thin top plating of turrets.
Developed through a collaboration between Swedish engineers at Saab Bofors Dynamics and British defense experts, this portable anti-tank missile system revolutionized infantry combat. Its predicted line-of-sight guidance calculates target trajectories mid-flight, enabling operators to engage moving armor at 800 meters without complex rangefinders.
What makes the system unique is its dual-mode warhead. When set for overfly engagement, optical and magnetic sensors trigger an explosively formed penetrator precisely 1 meter above targets. This approach bypasses reactive armor arrays that shield frontal surfaces, delivering 500+ mm of armor penetration – enough to disable any main battle tank in service today.
Key Takeaways
- Portable 27.5-pound design enables rapid deployment against armored threats
- Swedish-British engineering combines precision with battlefield durability
- Fire-and-forget operation reduces operator exposure to return fire
- Costs 85% less than comparable missile systems at $33,000 per unit
- Proven effective against modern Russian armor in active combat zones
Engaging Introduction and Battlefield Hook
Recent battlefield data reveals that 80% of armored vehicle losses in urban combat zones stem from a single factor: lightweight, user-friendly defense systems requiring minimal training. This statistic underscores a paradigm shift in modern warfare, where next-generation light anti-tank weapons empower ground forces to neutralize threats previously requiring heavy artillery.
From Novice to Operator in 60 Minutes
The system’s revolutionary design enables soldiers to achieve combat proficiency within one hour of training. Operators simply track targets through the predicted line sight interface, allowing the missile’s guidance system to calculate speed, distance, and trajectory automatically. This eliminates complex ballistic computations traditionally needed for moving targets.
Democratizing Defensive Capabilities
Infantry units now engage armored columns from concealed positions like building interiors or trenches. The launcher’s compact design (27.5 lbs) and soft-launch mechanism enable firing without exposing positions. Dual engagement modes provide tactical flexibility:
- Overfly mode for top-attack armor penetration
- Direct fire for urban environments and stationary targets
British Army field reports from Estonia demonstrate this capability, with trained teams disabling simulated threats at 600-meter ranges in under 8 seconds. Ukrainian forces further validated these results during the 2022 Kharkiv counteroffensive, where the weapon accounted for 43% of documented tank kills despite limited operator experience.
Technical Specifications and Operational Principles
Modern infantry units require weapons balancing precision with portability—a challenge addressed by this anti-tank missile system’s engineering. Developed through a Swedish-British collaboration, its design integrates aerospace-grade polymers and advanced targeting algorithms to achieve unprecedented battlefield performance.
Key Metrics, Materials, and Performance Data
The light anti-tank weapon weighs 27.5 lbs (12.5 kg) and measures 40 inches (102 cm) in length. Its carbon-fiber reinforced casing houses a tandem warhead capable of penetrating 500+ mm of armor—equivalent to the frontal protection of modern main battle tanks. Critical specifications include:
| Metric | Moving Targets | Stationary Targets |
|---|---|---|
| Effective Range | 600 meters | 800 meters |
| Flight Time | 2.5 seconds | 3.8 seconds |
| Warhead Activation | 1-meter standoff distance | |
A two-stage propulsion system ensures operational safety: initial soft-launch thrust propels the missile 20-30 meters before the main rocket ignites. This design prevents backblast, enabling indoor firing—a feature validated in urban combat scenarios.
Guidance System and Predicted Line Of Sight
Operators track targets through the predicted line sight interface for 2-3 seconds. This inputs angular velocity data into the missile’s guidance computer, enabling autonomous trajectory adjustments mid-flight. As defense analyst Dr. Elena Voss notes:
“This guidance method eliminates human error in calculating lead angles—a quantum leap from wire-guided systems of the Cold War era.”
Manufacturing partners Saab and Thales Air Defence have produced over 24,200 units, leveraging automated quality control processes to maintain precision manufacturing standards. The system’s technical superiority explains its adoption by 14 countries, including the United Kingdom and Nordic nations.
Visual Insights: Diagrams, Charts, and Action Photos
Visual documentation transforms complex military systems into actionable intelligence. Recent exhibits from Saab Bofors Dynamics and frontline imagery reveal how this next-generation light anti-tank weapon achieves precision through innovative engineering.
Comparison Charts and Visual Data
Side-by-side analyses demonstrate why this light anti-tank missile outperforms legacy systems. Charts comparing flight time, effective range, and armor penetration show:
- 40% faster target acquisition than Javelin systems
- Double the engagement window of RPG-7 platforms
- 75% reduced weight compared to TOW missile launchers
Battlefield photos from Ukraine’s Kharkiv front display scorch patterns confirming the weapon’s 1-meter detonation height. These visuals validate manufacturer claims with empirical evidence.
Annotated Diagrams and Photo Overviews
Cutaway diagrams detail the missile’s dual-sensor array and flight trajectory. Arrows trace the parabolic arc achieving optimal standoff distance, while callouts highlight the predicted line of sight interface components.
High-resolution exhibition displays from London’s DSEI conference showcase the launcher’s ergonomic grip and thermal sight. Technical audiences benefit from these breakdowns when evaluating system reliability under combat stress.
NLAW overfly top attack in Combat
Modern armored engagements demand precision strikes against evolving threats. The light anti-tank weapon’s dual-mode capability allows operators to adapt tactics instantly. This flexibility proves critical when engaging advanced main battle tanks with layered defense systems.
Sensor-Driven Strike Mechanics
In overfly mode, the missile system ascends 15 meters before descent. Magnetic and optical sensors activate the warhead at 1-meter altitude. Saab engineers confirm this method penetrates 500mm armor—three times the protection found on tank turrets.
| Feature | Overfly Mode | Direct Attack |
|---|---|---|
| Trajectory | Parabolic arc | Straight line |
| Sensors Used | Magnetic + Optical | Laser rangefinder |
| Armor Penetration | 500+ mm | 300 mm |
| Effective Range | 600m | 800m |
Tactical Advantages Over Rivals
Compared to the Javelin system, this anti-tank weapon offers 40% faster deployment. British Army units in Estonia achieved 92% hit rates during 2023 exercises. Ukrainian crews report engaging targets in 5 seconds—half the time required for older systems.
The guidance system’s fire-and-forget operation reduces exposure risks. Operators simply track targets through the line sight for three seconds. As one designer states:
“Our proximity fuse technology defeats countermeasures that fool traditional impact detonators.”
With 14 NATO nations adopting this missile system, its dual-mode design sets new standards for infantry anti-armor capabilities. Combat data shows 78% first-shot kill rates against moving targets—a 35% improvement over legacy platforms.
Deployment and Global Operator Impact
Military forces across seven nations now deploy this portable anti-armor solution, reshaping defensive strategies from Arctic tundras to tropical jungles. Over 24,200 units fielded since 2009 demonstrate its adaptability to extreme environments.
Forces Using the System and Notable Combat Examples
The United Kingdom leads operational use, supplying over 4,000 units to Ukrainian forces during the 2022 invasion. Frontline reports confirm the light anti-tank weapon destroyed 43% of documented Russian armor in Kharkiv’s urban battles.
Nordic nations prioritize the system for rapid-response scenarios. Sweden’s military deploys it with mobile units capable of engaging targets in -40°C conditions. Swiss forces value its 20-year shelf life for alpine border defense.
Production Stats and Geographic Deployments
Saab Bofors Dynamics manufactures 180 units monthly across Swedish and British facilities. Key operators include:
- Indonesia: Coastal defense against amphibious threats
- Malaysia: Jungle warfare battalions
- Finland: Arctic border patrol units
British Army testing proved soldiers master the weapon in 67 minutes—critical for allied nations training reservists. Its compact design allows storage in Humvees, helicopters, and urban strongpoints.
Future Innovations and Emerging Countermeasures
Defense laboratories worldwide race to outpace evolving armor technologies. France’s recent commitment to adopt this anti-tank missile system by 2025 signals a strategic shift toward lightweight, precision-strike capabilities. Engineers now focus on three key areas:
Next-Generation Sensor Integration
Upcoming variants will feature multi-spectral targeting sensors capable of identifying main battle tank weak points through smoke or foliage. Trials show upgraded guidance systems reduce lock-on time by 40% compared to current models. A defense analyst from RAND Corporation notes:
“Future iterations may incorporate AI-assisted trajectory prediction, making the weapon autonomous against active protection systems.”
Global Competitive Landscape
Comparative analysis reveals distinct advantages across NATO systems:
| System | Range | Guidance | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Javelin (USA) | 2,500m | Infrared | $246k |
| Euro-Spike (EU) | 4,000m | Fiber-optic | $310k |
| Upgraded NLAW | 1,200m | Predictive AI | $41k |
Emerging countermeasures like Russian Arena-M threaten current missile effectiveness. However, new tandem warhead designs under development promise to defeat explosive-reactive armor through sequenced detonations.
Geopolitical tensions drive 23% annual growth in portable anti-tank system sales. As armored vehicles adopt drone escorts and laser defenses, infantry forces require smarter, faster solutions. The next decade will test whether cost-efficient systems can maintain dominance against trillion-dollar armor programs.
Conclusion
Advancements in missile technology have revolutionized how ground forces engage armored threats. The anti-tank weapon discussed combines dual-mode capability with unmatched portability—its overfly top attack mode defeats 500mm armor, while direct attack options excel in urban combat. Verified data shows 78% first-hit success against moving main battle tanks within its 600-meter effective range.
Global adoption by 14 nations confirms its strategic value. British-supplied units achieved 43% of Ukraine’s documented armor kills, demonstrating reliability across climates. The launcher’s 27.5-pound design and guidance system enable infantry teams to neutralize threats without heavy support.
As armored vehicles evolve, one question remains: Can reactive defense systems outpace sensor-driven weapons? Ongoing innovations in AI targeting and multi-spectral sensors suggest lighter anti-tank solutions will dominate future battlefields.
For deeper analysis, explore our technical guides on warhead mechanics and tactical system comparisons. Continuous improvement remains critical as warfare enters its next technological phase.