The increased importance of tanks and other armored vehicles in World War II caused a need for portable infantry weapons to deal with them.

The solid rocket propulsion unit was developed in the newly formed Rohm and Haas research laboratory at Redstone Arsenal in 1959,[8] and the full system was designed by Paul V. Choate, Charles B.

The tube is mounted facing downward, enabling the drone operator to fire on tanks and armored vehicles from a top attack position while remaining 3 to 4 km (1.9 to 2.5 mi) away.

The M74 TPA (thickened pyrophoric agent) had an incendiary warhead filled with TEA (triethylaluminum); this was used in the M202A1 FLASH (flame assault shoulder weapon) four-tube launcher.

It is designated 66 KES 12[24] Claimed penetration for the M72 EC LAW is 450 mm (18 in) of rolled homogeneous armor steel plate, nearly twice that of the M72A2.

[25] It also fields the bunker-buster version that contains 440 g (0.97 lb) of DPX-6 explosive, named M72 ASM RC, and locally designated 66 KES 12 RAK.

In late February 2022, the Norwegian government announced that it intended to donate "up to 2,000" M72 LAW units from their reserve stocks to Ukraine, in response to the Russian invasion.

Under the 2012 Urgent Operational Requirement program, the M72 was reintroduced into British service, with the M72A9 variant being designated as the Light Anti-Structure Munition (LASM).

[33][34][35] During the Vietnam and post-Vietnam periods, all issued LAWs were recalled after instances of the warhead exploding in flight, sometimes injuring the operator.

[citation needed][note 2] With the failure of the M72's intended replacement, the Viper, in late 1982 Congress ordered the US Army to test off-the-shelf light antitank weapons and report back by the end of 1983.

In partnership with Raufoss AS, Talley Defense offered the M72E4, which provided increased range, velocity, and better sights; this was tested by the U.S. Army Materiel Systems Analysis Activity (AMSAA) along with other light anti-armor weapons in 1985.

The lower cost and lighter weight of the LAW, combined with a scarcity of modern heavy armored targets and the need for an individual assault weapon versus an individual anti-armor weapon, made it ideal for the type of urban combat seen in Iraq and mountain warfare seen in Afghanistan.

[39] In February 2005, The Naval Surface Warfare Center, Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) issued a solicitation to procure 2,558 M72A7 66mm HE LAW w/Graze Fuze Function and NVD Mount with the award date estimated as mid-May 2005.

[41] Then in 2008, the U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command at Quantico, Virginia, placed a $15.5-million fixed contract order with Talley Defense for 7,750 M72A7s.

[42][43] Later in 2010, the U.S. Army also began using the M72A7 LAW in Afghanistan because it was found to be a useful small and lightweight rocket system for engaging short- and medium-range targets.

The M72A7 LAW is an improved version of its predecessors, featuring an enhanced rocket motor that increases velocity to 200 m/s (660 ft/s) for greater accuracy beyond 200 meters (660 feet), a Picatinny rail for mounting laser pointers and night sights, and the warhead contains a copper explosively formed penetrator (EFP), instead of a conical shaped charge.

[46]In May of 2024, Marine Corps Systems Command announced the acquisition of the M72 Light Assault Weapon (LAW) Fire from Enclosure (FFE) Munition.

The M72A8 contains a high-explosive anti-armor warhead with improved armor penetration, while the M72A10 provides Marines with the added capability of an anti-structure round designed to eliminate hardened structures such as buildings.

The M72A10 features an advanced warhead design with a multipurpose explosive and a self-discriminating fuse that automatically operates in either a fast- or delay-mode depending on the target’s construction, allowing Marines to effectively engage structures, bunkers, and enemy personnel.

A liquid counter-mass behind the propellant mitigates backblast, allowing the weapon to be safely fired from enclosed spaces.

[47] The M72 FFE replaces the M72A7 LAW, allowing Marines to fire multiple shots daily from enclosed spaces without risk of brain injury.

With these improvements, both M72 FFE variants significantly enhance infantry effectiveness against armored vehicles and fortified structures, in urban environments as well as complex terrain.