M72 LAW

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	Weapon: M72 LAW Type: Man-Portable Rocket Launcher Country of Origin: United States Year Adopted: 1963 Caliber: 66mm Action: Single Use Rocket Launcher Overall Length (mm): 880.0 Overall Length (in): 34.65 Weight (kg): 2.50 Weight (pounds): 5.51 Effective Range (m): 200 m Effective Range (yards): 218.72

The M72 Light Anti-Tank Weapon (LAW) is a portable, single-shot, disposable rocket launcher developed by the United States in the late 1950s. Designed to provide infantry with a lightweight, effective means of neutralizing enemy armor, bunkers, and fortifications, the M72 features a collapsible, preloaded launcher containing a 66mm high-explosive anti-tank (HEAT) warhead. The weapon is fired from the shoulder and employs a simple, recoilless design, making it easy to use with minimal training. The warhead is capable of penetrating light armor and reinforced structures, making it highly effective in various combat scenarios.

The M72 LAW entered service with the U.S. military in 1963 and has since been adopted by numerous allied nations. It saw extensive use during the Vietnam War, where its portability and effectiveness against enemy bunkers and light vehicles made it a valuable asset for U.S. and South Vietnamese forces. Production numbers have exceeded one million units, with the weapon being continuously upgraded to improve its penetration power, accuracy, and reliability. Variants have been developed with different warhead types to enhance its effectiveness against a broader range of targets, ensuring its continued use in modern conflicts.

The M72 LAW has earned a strong reputation as a reliable and effective anti-armor weapon. Its lightweight, disposable nature allows soldiers to carry multiple units, providing enhanced firepower without the logistical burden of reusable systems. It has been used in conflicts ranging from the Cold War era to modern engagements in Iraq and Afghanistan, proving its versatility and enduring relevance. Despite being replaced in some roles by newer systems such as the AT4, the M72 remains in service with many armed forces worldwide, demonstrating its lasting impact on infantry warfare.