Nammo Begins Development of Dual-Pulse Engine for IRIS-T SLX Air Defense
Norwegian firm Nammo has initiated a new development project for a dual-pulse rocket motor engine intended to power the long-range IRIS-T SLX air defense system. The engine is designed to double the interception range of the existing IRIS-T SLM model to 80 kilometers, enabling engagement of fighter jets and long-endurance drones. Diehl, the German manufacturer of the missile system, targets a first safety integrity level firing test in 2027 and serial production in 2029. Nammo describes the project as entirely new, with no reliance on previous program designs, and plans to conduct static firings at its Raufoss facility to validate engineering models. The development aims to enhance European air defense capabilities, particularly within the European Sky Shield Initiative, and reduce reliance on US-made Patriot systems amid current shortages.
Key points
- Nammo is developing a new dual-pulse rocket motor engine for the IRIS-T SLX, described as a totally new project without piggybacking on previous designs.
- The IRIS-T SLX is expected to double the range of the IRIS-T SLM to 80 kilometers, allowing interception of fighter jets, bombers, and long-endurance drones.
- Diehl targets a first Safety Integrity Level firing test for the SLX in 2027, with serial production slated for 2029.
- Nammo will conduct static firings and engineering validation at its Raufoss facility in Norway, with adjustments planned based on test results.
- The SLX variant can be loaded onto common launchers alongside SLM missiles, leveraging existing radar and software infrastructure from the SLM system.
Background
The IRIS-T SLM and SLS systems have been deployed by several European nations, including Germany, Sweden, and Denmark, and are central to the European Sky Shield Initiative. Ukrainian forces have used these systems to destroy over 1,000 Russian targets since 2022, with a reported 95% hit rate against cruise missiles and drones. The development of the SLX follows Diehl's announcement at the 2024 Berlin Air Show and aims to address shortages of US-made Patriot missiles by providing a European alternative with extended range.
Why it matters
The development of the IRIS-T SLX enhances Europe's sovereign air defense capabilities by extending interception range and reducing dependence on US-supplied systems. The new dual-pulse engine represents a significant technological advancement for Nammo, while the integration with existing SLM infrastructure allows for cost-effective deployment. This development supports the European Sky Shield Initiative and strengthens regional defense against long-range threats, including advanced drones and cruise missiles.
What to watch
Nammo will begin building prototype engines and conduct static firings at its Raufoss facility to validate engineering models. Diehl plans a first Safety Integrity Level firing test of the IRIS-T SLX in 2027, followed by serial production in 2029. The company is also ramping up production volumes for IRIS-T SLS and SLM engines to support ongoing demand in Ukraine and other European markets.
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