The T-72 vs. NLAW: Combat Footage Compares Ukraine's Tank Choices

Yulia Chive

2 min read

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16-01-2025

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The T-72 vs. NLAW: Combat Footage Reveals the Uneven Battlefield

The ongoing conflict in Ukraine has become a grim proving ground for military hardware, offering a stark real-world comparison of different weapon systems. Nowhere is this more evident than in the clash between the ubiquitous T-72 main battle tank and the comparatively lightweight NLAW anti-tank guided missile (ATGM). Analyzing combat footage reveals a significant disparity in effectiveness, highlighting the challenges faced by both sides.

The T-72: A Legacy of Soviet Design

The T-72, a mainstay of numerous armies worldwide, represents a generation of Soviet tank design. While possessing considerable firepower and armor, its age is showing in the face of modern anti-tank weaponry. Combat footage frequently shows T-72s vulnerable to top-attack weapons like the NLAW, suffering catastrophic damage from hits to their relatively thin roof armor. Older models, particularly those deployed by Russian forces, are especially susceptible due to outdated composite armor and reactive armor packages.

Weaknesses Exposed:

• Top-Attack Vulnerability: The T-72's design, while effective against older anti-tank weapons, leaves it exposed to top-attack missiles like the NLAW. These missiles exploit a critical weakness in the tank's relatively thin upper armor.
• Reactive Armor Limitations: While some T-72 variants feature reactive armor, its effectiveness against advanced ATGMs like the NLAW is debatable. Footage shows instances where reactive armor fails to fully negate the impact of the NLAW.
• Crew Compartment Susceptibility: Even with reactive armor, a direct hit often results in devastating damage to the crew compartment, leading to immediate incapacitation or destruction of the tank.

The NLAW: A Game Changer in Asymmetric Warfare

The NLAW, or Next generation Light Anti-tank Weapon, is a shoulder-launched, fire-and-forget ATGM. Its ease of use, portability, and effectiveness against heavier armored vehicles have made it a significant asset for Ukrainian forces. Combat footage showcases its precision and ability to penetrate the armor of T-72 tanks, even at relatively long ranges. The "fire-and-forget" capability allows the operator to seek cover immediately after launching, increasing survivability.

Strengths Demonstrated:

• Ease of Use: The NLAW's simple operation allows for relatively quick training and deployment, making it ideal for irregular warfare scenarios.
• Portability: Its lightweight design allows for easy transport and deployment in various terrains, enhancing its tactical flexibility.
• Top-Attack Capability: Crucially, the NLAW’s top-attack capability exploits a major vulnerability in the T-72’s armor profile, resulting in high kill rates.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to more sophisticated anti-tank systems, the NLAW offers a cost-effective solution with significant combat effectiveness.

Combat Footage Analysis: A Tale of Two Technologies

Numerous videos circulating online depict the effectiveness of the NLAW against T-72s. These videos often show the missiles accurately striking the top of the tank, resulting in immediate explosions and destruction. Conversely, footage shows T-72s struggling to effectively engage smaller, more mobile targets, highlighting their limitations in modern asymmetric warfare. The disparity is stark, showcasing the significant technological advantage offered by the NLAW.

Conclusion: Implications for Modern Warfare

The conflict in Ukraine provides compelling evidence of the evolving nature of modern warfare. The success of the NLAW against the T-72 highlights the vulnerability of even seemingly robust armored vehicles to modern anti-tank weaponry. This emphasizes the importance of developing and deploying advanced countermeasures, alongside the need for adaptable tactics and strategies to mitigate these threats. The ongoing conflict will undoubtedly continue to shape future military doctrine and technological development in the realm of armored warfare.