Malaysian Army to Acquire 800 Units of M72 LAW-EC Anti-Tank Weapons: Report

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) — The Malaysian Army is reportedly set to acquire approximately 800 units of the M72 LAW-EC (Light Anti-Tank Weapon-Enhanced Capacity) to replace its current RPG-7 anti-tank weapons.

According to the defense portal Army Recognition, the anti-tank weapons will be procured from Nammo and will be used by members of the 10th Parachute Brigade.

The M72 LAW-EC is the latest variant of the M72 anti-tank weapon, first introduced in the 1960s.

Known for its lightweight and portability, it boasts the capability to penetrate armor and hit targets up to 200 meters away, weighing in at just 2.5 kg.

This weapon is favored by 35 armies worldwide, including those of Malaysia and Turkey.

 

The M72 LAW-EC is among the most widely used anti-tank weapons and is produced locally in several countries, including Norway and the United States.

Nammo has upgraded the original design, incorporating modifications to the launcher, warhead, and fuse.

Nammo, a company jointly owned by Norway and Finland, also supports the U.S. qualification efforts for variants of the weapon that can be launched from enclosed spaces, such as rooms and bunkers, known as Fire-From-Enclosure (FFE).

These FFE variants are referred to as the M72 Anti-Armor (A8) and M72 Anti-Structure Munition (A10) in U.S. military service.

The Malaysian Army employs a variety of anti-tank weapons within its units, including the Carl Gustav 84mm, RPG-7 procured from Pakistan, Instalaza C90, and Saab Bofors AT4, used by special forces such as the Special Service Group (GGK).

The M72 LAW-EC will enhance the Malaysian Army’s anti-tank capabilities, allowing it to address threats from light armored vehicles, fortified positions, and other reinforced targets.

This acquisition underscores the Malaysian Army’s commitment to modernizing its defense capabilities and ensuring that its troops are equipped with modern weaponry to counter emerging 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 design, making it particularly suitable for the quick-strike, high-mobility missions typical of airborne and special forces operations.

 According to Army Recognition, 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. — DSA