Saab plans to increase production of NLAW light handheld anti-tank systems to 400,000 units per year. This was reported by Breaking Defense citing the company’s general manager. Swedish aerospace and defense company Saab plans to achieve such indicators within two years.

“In the context of the fact that we are doubling production capacity at our Swedish plants every year … and we will double the capacity again by 2025, then our plants will be able to produce 400,000 NLAW units per year,” said Saab. CEO Mikael Johansson at a press briefing on Feb.

This projected increase in production is driven by strong demand as European countries try to replenish their stocks after transferring thousands of NLAW light ATGMs to Ukraine. These light anti-tank complexes are also in demand among other customers around the world.

Over the past year, this weapon has become an effective tool in the fight against Russian armored vehicles at close range in Ukraine. The NLAW anti-tank system is a portable weapon weighing 12.5 kg. It was developed by the Swedish group Saab AB, together with the British branch of the Thales group, under the mandate and funding of the Ministry of Defense of Great Britain.

The NLAW is a manual disposable anti-tank weapon with an effective firing range of up to 800 meters. The complex does not use an active targeting system. It uses “projected line of sight” guidance, including magnetic and optical sensors.

Before firing, the gunner uses the sight to follow the angular velocity of the target for three seconds memorized by the missile’s inertial unit.

During flight, the inertial unit makes the necessary corrections by correcting the direction of movement. The warhead of the missile can destroy a modern tank: the ammunition flies and strikes about a meter above the turret of the tank.