Full spectrum protection

NFM Group, in collaboration with the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI), is engaged in a forward-looking R&D project to push the boundaries of ballistic production methods, materials, and mechanisms. This initiative is set to establish critical knowledge that will form the foundation for the next generation of protection systems.

With the ever-present need to safeguard personnel, vehicles, and military installations, the project emphasizes the importance of staying ahead of evolving threats through continuous research and development. A key focus is on enhancing mobility—a vital component in future protection concepts—by developing solutions that improve a soldier’s survivability while enabling them to effectively carry out their primary duties. This project addresses the crucial balance between the weight, design, and performance of protective gear, ensuring that soldiers maintain peak performance on the battlefield.

The CERAMBALL 2 project, “Lightweight Ceramics for Ballistic Protection,” is an initiative by the European Defence Agency (EDA) involving partners from six countries. It aims to advance body armor technologies through two work packages: WP1000, led by RHP (Austria), which focuses on new ceramic and backing materials, and the WP2000, led by FFI (Norway), which addresses test methods and modelling. NFM is developing a digital measurement torso, the Behind Armour Blunt Trauma (BABT) rig, to improve performance evaluation and speed up development cycles, laying the groundwork for future AI-driven modelling and design tools

Augmented capability for high-end soldier

The project “Augmented capability for the high-end soldier” (ACHILE) aims to develop highly innovative solutions for the next generation Dismounted Soldier System by specifying, designing and demonstrating the benefits of an open system architecture based on GOSSRA and promising disruptive technologies improving survivability, sustainability, mobility, lethality, and observation. Related PESCO project: EU Collaborative Warfare Capabilities (ECoWAR)

NFM is involved in the T5.5 – Mobility and T5.6 – Protection and Camouflage, focusing on enhancing the soldier’s survivability, mobility and increasing its effectiveness with an optimized integration of SKJOLD™ ballistic protection and various devices, using the THOR™ Load Bearing System and HJELM™ combat helmets as platforms.  

Smart Multifunction Textiles for Integrated Soldier Systems.‍

NFM Group, in partnership with the European Defense Fund (EDF), has been selected to deliver the ARMETISS smart textile development programme. The ARMETISS consortium includes 18 members from nine countries. This €20 million EU-funded project aims to create innovative textile technologies for smart clothing, developed to enhance soldiers’ performance, safety and comfort on demanding missions and military operations, based on the needs of EU end-users.

NFM Group has partnered with the Canadian Special Operations Forces Command (CANSOFCOM) and Defence Research and Development Canada (DRDC) on a pioneering R&D program to design and develop innovative hard ballistic plates.

The purpose of this project is to develop ballistic plates that are lighter, more comfortable, and better suited to a variety of body types, including female soldiers. This will enhance protection, mobility, and functionality for operators. The project involves a two-year development phase, with the first delivery anticipated in 2025. This includes a provision for immediate procurement for successful completion of the development phase, which ensures CANSOFCOM members continuous access to the latest protective gear without delays.