USMC Procures M72 Fire from Enclosure Light Assault Weapon System

Developed in the early 1960s, the USMC adopted the M72 in 1963. The Corps originally released a solicitation for the system back in 2020, with the US Army facilitating procurement request. The M72 FFE has the advantage of having minimal back blast allowing it to be safely fired in confined spaces which makes things like urban fighting safe and easier. NAMMO, the M72 FFE’s manufacturer, describe the system:

The anti-armor variant (M72 A8) is effective against technical vehicles, concrete walls and light armored personnel carriers, while the anti-structure variant (M72 A10) features an autonomous dual-mode fuze and can defeat brick, adobe, earthen fortifications and technical vehicles.

Here’s the USMC’s announcement in full:

MARINE CORPS BASE QUANTICO, Va. — Marine Corps Systems Command is pleased to announce the acquisition of the M72 Light Assault Weapon Fire from Enclosure Munition.

The M72 LAW Fire from Enclosure (FFE) is a compact, lightweight, single-shot weapon system. It incorporates an improved launcher featuring an enhanced in-line trigger mechanism and improved sling design. The M72 FFE comprises two configurations: the M72A8 anti-armor and the M72A10 multi-purpose, anti-structure munition. The M72A8 contains a high-explosive charge warhead that improves armor penetration, while the M72A10 provides Marines with increased capability for eliminating structures.

The M72 FFE is designed to deliver versatility and reliability, enabling Marines to counter threats effectively in close-range combat. Its performance is optimized for urban environments, vehicles, and complex terrain, ensuring operational effectiveness in these challenging scenarios.

The M27A FFE variants will replace the current LAW weapon system capability. The new system allows Marines to fire multiple shots daily from inside a room and has less flash and back blast than an M9 pistol. The reduced visibility increases the lethality and safety of Marines.

“This new capability removes the Marine from exposure to enemy engagement by introducing the FFE capability, said Mr. Scott Adams, Product Manager, Ammo. “The FFE and the reduced thermal signature provides the Marine with an added layer of protection.”

The MCSC team worked closely with their Army counterparts to procure this new capability. All shoulder-fired rocket ammunition is procured through the U.S. Army Joint Munitions Command, the Single Manager for Conventional Ammunition. This enables the services to combine orders to realize cost savings by leveraging economic order quantity prices.

The M72 FFE rocket underscores the Marine Corps’ ongoing efforts to lighten the warfighter’s load and increase lethality. PdM Ammo expects to begin fielding the M72A FFE in calendar year 2024.