Saab in talks on Gulf deals for anti-tank weapon

Abu Dhabi: Saab Bofors Dynamics has identified the Middle East as a region where its next-generation light anti-tank weapon (NLAW) has a great potential, and is already in negotiations with a number of possible customers.

'"These discussions have led to a plan to demonstrate NLAW in May or June.

The trial will not only show off the weapon's capabilities locally, but also demonstrate its ability to perform in the climatic conditions that prevail in the region," the company said, according to the Idex daily. Now in production for the UK, Sweden and Finland, the Saab NLAW is ready for operation, and available for export.

NLAW has aroused interest from several countries in the Gulf region, some of which were represented at a demonstration firing undertaken late last year in the presence of representatives from 13 countries.

NLAW is the first weapon to provide an individual soldier with the ability to kill a modern main battle tank.

NLAW has the tank-killing qualities of much heavier weapons, but is light enough for single-soldier use in extended dismounted operations and does not require dedicated crews.

It can also be fired from confined surroundings, and is applicable to all fighting environments, from traditional battlefields to urban warfare.

It requires no maintenance, while training is quick and based entirely in a simulator.

NLAW has an effective range of 20 to 600 metres. It uses Predicted Line Of Sight (PLOS) guidance and has an Overfly Top Attack mode for attacking tanks.