Malaysia’s military orders 800 M72 anti-tank missiles from Nordic Ammunition Company

Asia-Pacific, Europe, News August 1, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

The Malaysian Army has placed an order for 800 M72 lightweight anti-tank weapons, manufactured by the Nordic Ammunition Company (Nammo), a Norwegian-Finnish joint venture. The acquisition marks a significant step in Malaysia’s efforts to modernize its anti-tank arsenal, replacing aging systems with advanced, state-of-the-art technology.

On July 29, 2024, the Malaysian Army announced the signing of the contract with Nammo. The total value of the contract has not been disclosed, however, each M72 missile is estimated to cost $1,200.

The acquisition of hundreds of M72s is part of Malaysia’s broader efforts to modernize its anti-tank arsenal, which currently includes the Carl Gustav 84mm, the Instalaza C90, and the Saab Bofors AT4. These existing systems are expected to complement the new Nammo systems, enhancing the versatility and effectiveness of Malaysia’s anti-tank capabilities.

The M72 weapons will come in the Enhanced Capacity (EC) variant, known for its effective range of 200 meters and lightweight design, weighing only 2.5 kilograms. According to tender documents, the weapons will be used to support missions in challenging environments, including urban settings and rough terrain, and are also suitable for special forces operations.

The M72 EC will replace the RPG-7 systems currently used by Malaysia’s 10th Para Brigade. This upgrade is intended to enhance the operational capabilities of the country’s airborne forces, providing them with a modern, effective tool for engaging light armored vehicles and fortified enemy positions.

The M72 EC is widely used around the world, with 35 countries, including the Turkish Army, having adopted it. Nammo’s M72 also comes in other variants, such as the Anti-Armor and Anti-Structure Munition, which are currently in service with the U.S. military.

M72 Light Anti-Tank Weapon — ^{Canadian Armed Forces soldiers with enhanced Forward Presence Battle Group – Latvia, fire a M72 rocket launcher at Camp Adazi, Latvia on April 13, 2021. (Image Credit: MCpl Stuart MacNeil/Canadian Armed Forces)}

These variants include a “fire-from-enclosure” (FFE) solution, allowing troops to fire the M72 from rooms, bunkers, or enclosed spaces without revealing themselves to enemy combatants. This feature ensures soldier safety during firing and is known as the M72 Anti-Armor (A8) and M72 Anti-Structure Munition (A10) in U.S. military service.

The latest contract by Malaysia is part of a broader effort to strengthen the country’s military capabilities. The advanced technical features of the M72 LAW-EC, combined with its proven effectiveness, make it a valuable addition to the Malaysian Army’s arsenal. The acquisition also underscores Malaysia’s commitment to modernizing its defense capabilities.

Furthermore, this acquisition aligns with Malaysia’s strategic defense goals, reinforcing its regional defense posture and contributing to the overall stability and security of the region. The modernization efforts also reflect Malaysia’s commitment to keeping its military equipment up-to-date with the latest technology, ensuring readiness and adaptability in the face of evolving threats.