La empresa Sueca SAAB ha obtenido un contrato del MinDef Británico por 223 Millones de Libras Esterlinas, para la provisión de los modernos sistemas de arma portátil antitanque NLAW (Next Generation Light Antitank Weapon). Este sistema entregado en grandes cantidades a Ucrania, como parte de la asistencia militar para hacer frente a la invasión rusa, ha provocado por otra parte una drástica reducción de los stocks del British Army. El NLAW, con un alcance de 800m, extraordinaria precisión y la capacidad “top attack” sobre la zona más vulnerable del blindado, ha sido utilizado en grandes cantidades en ese escenario de combate entre fuerzas convencionales. En servicio desde 2009, combina la simplicidad de un arma Atan portátil, con las ventajas y letalidad de armas Atan de mayor porte, operadas normalmente desde plataformas terrestres. Ha demostrado su gran eficacia y letalidad, contribuyendo a neutralizar el accionar de las poderosas fuerzas blindadas de Rusia.
The UK Ministry of Defence has awarded Saab a 229-million-pound ($278 million) contract to provide next-generation light anti-tank weapons (NLAW) for the British Army.
Delivery will take place between 2024 and 2026. Thales will then assemble them at its facility in Belfast, Northern Ireland.
“Demand is increasing for anti-tank systems such as NLAW. We look forward to further strengthening our close relationship with the UK and are proud to continue delivering our proven and trusted anti-tank capability,” Saab CEO and President Micael Johansson said.
NLAW Restock
The procurement will replenish the British Army’s shoulder-launched missile stocks after sending Ukrainian forces the weapons to defend against the Russian invasion.
A separate contract will deliver 500 NLAWs to the UK by 2023 in addition to the thousand units expected from the latest agreement.
Maintaining Missile Supplies
The NLAW combines the capability of light anti-armor weapons and heavy, crew-operated guided missile systems, enabling warfighters to intercept targets from above.
A single soldier can operate the missile system to engage heavily armored tanks from 20 to 800 meters away.
“These next generation light anti-tank weapons have played a decisive role in supporting Ukraine’s army to drive back Russia’s illegal invading forces,” UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace explained.
“Working with our first-class industry partners, we are continuing to fulfil our commitment to NATO by ensuring our Armed Forces will receive a steady supply of these weapons over the coming years, whilst supporting UK jobs across the length and breadth of the country.”
Earlier this year, the UK announced 1 billion pounds ($1.2 billion) in military aid for Ukraine, which included over 5,000 NLAW anti-tank missiles.
Fuente: https://www.thedefensepost.com
