Missile FGM-172 SRAW

The Short-Range Assault Weapon (SRAW) program began in 1987 to replace unguided M72 LAW and AT4 rockets. Testing commenced in 1991, followed by an engineering and manufacturing development phase starting in 1994. Low-rate initial production was initiated in 2002. The system received the FGM-172 designation in 2006, having previously been identified as the SRAW MK 40 MOD 0.

The missile utilizes a fire-and-forget Predicted Line Of Sight (PLOS) guidance system. The operator tracks a target for a period of 2 to 12 seconds, after which the autopilot programs an intercept path based on target motion and missile flight characteristics. An internal inertial guidance unit compensates for crosswinds and other flight variables.

The FGM-172A variant is designed for overfly top attack. It employs dual laser and magnetic sensors to detect the edges and mass of a vehicle, triggering an explosively formed penetrator that fires downward into the target's upper armor. This variant detonates over the first potential target encountered during flight. The FGM-172B variant utilizes a direct intercept flight profile and is equipped with a multi-purpose blast-fragmentation warhead. It features a dual-mode impact fuze with an automatic time delay for use against soft targets. A derivative known as the Kestrel incorporates an unguided direct-fire mode.

The system was operated by the United States and Israel, entering service in 2002. Based on operational requirements identified during Operation Iraqi Freedom, the United States Marine Corps retrofitted its inventory from the FGM-172A anti-tank configuration to the FGM-172B multi-purpose variant. This conversion shifted the system's application to direct-fire urban assault against bunkers and buildings. The system was evaluated by the British Army and the U.S. Army for separate requirements but was not adopted for long-term use by those services.