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Nammo Develops New Rocket Motor Engine for IRIS-T Air Defense

September 18, 2026

2 min read

Key Takeaways

Nammo develops new rocket motor engine for IRIS-T air defense.
Engine envisioned for long-range variant of German-made IRIS-T system.
Prototype activities to start soon, with static firings and simulated modeling.
SLX variant can intercept targets at 80 kilometers, doubling SLM capability.

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Strategic Implications

This development may signal Nammo's growing role in European air defense, potentially reducing reliance on US-produced systems. The dual pulse concept could indicate a shift towards more advanced propulsion systems, which may have implications for the broader missile defense market.

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What Happened

Norwegian Defense Firm Pursues Long-Range Variant Capability

Norwegian defense firm Nammo is developing a new prototype rocket motor engine for a long-range variant of the German-made IRIS-T air defense system. The engine is part of the so-called ‘dual pulse’ concept, which aims to provide a significant increase in range and capability. The development comes as German defense firm Diehl targets a first development firing test of the surface-launched IRIS-T SLX in 2027, with serial production slated for 2029. The IRIS-T system has been used by Ukrainian forces to destroy over 1,000 Russian targets since the outbreak of the war in 2022, with a hit rate of 95 percent. This development was first reported by Breaking Defense.

Source | Originally Published: September 1, 2026

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