The Sidewinder family of missiles has been in operational service with many air forces worldwide since the 1950’s, and even older versions are still commonly used by several nations. Nammo started its Sidewinder Rocket Motor production in the 1960’s with the AIM-9B version and substantial quantities were manufactured up to the late 1970’s. A new and modern composite propellant Rocket Motor plant was then established for mass production of the AIM-9L version, and this production line is still fully operational with high capacity. The Sidewinder is the most widely used air-to-air missile in the West, with more than 110,000 missiles produced for the US and 27 other nations. Several upgrades and improvements of the various Sidewinder versions have been offered to increase operational capabilities as well as service life. A propellant reload programme is currently ongoing for expired AIM-9L Rocket Motors. 

Nammo equipping the AMRAAM with its rocket motor

The AMRAAM is the world's most popular beyond-visual-range missile, and more than 14,000 have been produced for the United States Air Force, the United States Navy and 33 international customers. The AMRAAM has been used in several engagements and is credited with many air-to-air kills. In addition to the air-to-air application, it is also used in the NASAMS Air Defence system. The US Company Raytheon is the prime contractor for AMRAAM. Nammo has been qualified as a rocket motor supplier to AMRAAM since 2012, and is now in full rate production for deliveries to this important missile.

AMRAAM has an all-weather, beyond-visual-range (BVR) capability. It improves the aerial combat capabilities of US and allied aircraft to meet the threat of enemy’s air-to-air weapons. AMRAAM serves as follow-on to the AIM-7 Sparrow missile series. The new missile is faster, smaller, lighter and has improved capabilities against low-altitude targets.

Nammo completes purchase of majority share in MAC

Nammo has announced that it has completed the acquisition of a majority share in US ammunition firm MAC. The Norwegian company completed the acquisition of the majority stake of MAC on 3 January 2019 after having begun pursuing the Missouri-based firm a year earlier in January 2018. MAC leads in the development of lightweight polymer cartridge cases for small and medium calibre ammunition, which Nammo said is one technology that will “strengthen its ability to provide a reliable advantage to its customers”. “We are extremely satisfied to have Nammo become a majority owner. The experience from our first year working together has been very positive, and we look forward to strengthening our co-operation going forward,” stated Nick Malkovich, President of MAC.