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BULGARIAN MILITARY
The Malaysian Army has chosen the M72 LAW-EC [Light Anti-Tank Weapon] to replace its long-used RPG-7 rocket launchers. Nammo, a Norwegian-Finnish joint venture, will serve as the program’s contractor. Per the agreement with Nammo, the Malaysian Army will receive 800 M72 LAW-EC units.
While the contract’s value remains undisclosed, the average price for each M72 LAW-EC is around $1,200. The Malaysian Army already has several anti-tank systems, including the Carl Gustaf 84mm, Instalaza C90, and Saab Bofors AT4. Malaysian officials had earlier stated that the M72 LAW-EC would replace the Russian-made RPG-7.
About M72 LAW-EC
The M72 LAW-EC [Light Anti-Tank Weapon – Enhanced Capability] is a portable, one-shot, disposable anti-tank weapon system. It is an upgraded version of the original M72 LAW, designed to provide enhanced performance against modern armored threats. The system is lightweight and easy to use, making it suitable for infantry units.
In terms of dimensions, the M72 LAW-EC has a length of approximately 1 meter [39 inches] when extended and around 0.67 meters [26 inches] when collapsed. It weighs about 3.5 kilograms [7.7 pounds], making it highly portable for individual soldiers.
The technical characteristics of the M72 LAW-EC include a pre-packaged, single-use launcher with an integrated sighting system. It is designed for ease of use, requiring minimal training for effective operation. The launcher is made of lightweight materials, ensuring that it can be carried and deployed quickly in combat situations.
The M72 LAW-EC uses a rocket-propelled grenade as its primary missile. The missile propulsion system consists of a solid-fuel rocket motor that provides the necessary thrust to reach and penetrate targets at effective ranges.
M72’s warhead
The warhead of the M72 LAW-EC is a high-explosive anti-tank [HEAT] warhead, designed to penetrate modern armor. The HEAT warhead utilizes a shaped charge to focus explosive energy on a small area, allowing it to breach armored vehicles and fortifications effectively.
The M72 LAW-EC is equipped with a simple optical sight for targeting. This sighting system allows the operator to aim accurately at targets within the effective range of the weapon. The simplicity of the sighting system ensures that it can be used effectively even under stressful combat conditions.
One of the key advantages of the M72 LAW-EC over the RPG-7 is its ease of use and portability. The M72 LAW-EC is a single-use, disposable system, which means it does not require reloading or maintenance in the field. This makes it highly suitable for rapid deployment and use in various combat scenarios. Additionally, its lighter weight and compact size make it easier for infantry to carry and maneuver compared to the bulkier RPG-7.