IWI (Israel Weapon Industries), an SK Group company and a global leader in small arms manufacturing, has introduced a new line of suppressors engineered to fit the full range of 5.56x45mm and 7.62x51mm weapon platforms, from rifles to machine guns. The suppressors have already been delivered and are in use by its clients.
SK Group's new line of military and professional silencers is built on a vertically integrated production line using advanced Direct Metal Laser Sintering (DMLS) 3D-metal printing. The new line of suppressors features complex internal geometries and an internal bypass channel, delivering high sound attenuation, a streamlined design that significantly reduces back-pressure, even during rapid or full-auto operation – all while preserving accuracy.
Engineered to the same quality and performance specifications that IWI is known for globally, they are made from aerospace-grade Inconel, an aerospace-grade superalloy that withstands temperatures beyond 982°C (1,800°F), resists erosion and cracking over thousands of rounds, and pairs with our proven Quick Detach Flash Hider that utilizes the legendary UZILockä for fast and secure mounting across all platforms. Regardless of platform, our new line of suppressors is designed to perform in the harshest conditions.
“This new line of suppressors reflects IWI’s broader commitment to advancing battlefield survivability and operational performance through innovation,” said SK Group’s Vice Chairman Ronen Hamudot. “By leveraging cutting-edge manufacturing and materials science, we’re equipping forces with scalable solutions that meet today’s operational demands – from counter-terror operations to large-scale conflict. They accelerate our push to equip front-line units with integrated, next-generation capabilities.”
Q&A with Ronen Hamudot, SK Group Vice Chairman
We had the opportunity to pepper Ronen Hamudot, SK Group Vice Chairman, with questions about the new silencer line. Here is the content of our chat, which helped us better understand the great potential of these products.
Do these new silencers complement or replace those previously available?
Our new suppressors replace the previous ones.
Do the new silencers require the use of subsonic ammunition? Are they designed to slow standard cartridges to subsonic speed? Or are they intended for operational uses where suppression of the supersonic boom is not necessary?
It depends on the cartridge:
- 7.62x51 and 300 BLK (Blackout): both are available in subsonic and supersonic variants. Subsonic ammunition is already below the speed of sound, and when paired with the suppressor, you will achieve the full level of suppression that configuration permits.
- 5.56x45mm: this cartridge is only produced in supersonic form. On 5.56x45mm weapons, suppressors are therefore used to mitigate blast, flash and overall sound signature – improving command and control and reducing the risk of overpressure-related hearing injuries, particularly in close-quarters operations.
Given its size and the fact that its noise reduction capacity is strongly influenced by temperature, has the suppressor been calibrated more for full-auto weapons or for aimed fire, even if sustained?
Yes, we designed it for use on military weapons and have therefore tested it across a wide range of temperatures and conditions. As such, they must pass SOCOM and durability testing before being sent to our customers, and they are all rated for full-auto firing.
Still on the subject of noise reduction capacity, is it possible to use it in open environments without hearing protection?
Yes, it is, as our new suppressors meet US Mil standards below 140 db, meaning they work great in open and closed environments.
From the photos, it seems that the silencer has been optimised for use with short barrels. Can you confirm this?
Yes, there are no minimum barrel length restrictions or requirements, unlike many on the market.
Is the silencer modular or one-piece?
It is in one piece.
Why was Inconel chosen over other materials? Obviously, it is perhaps the best performing material for use at high temperatures, but it is also very expensive, especially in the 718 microparticulate quality for printing.
Our priority is always to deliver the highest-performing product possible for our customers. Inconel offers exceptional strength and reliability under extreme temperatures, making it the ideal choice for this application. While it is a premium material, its superior performance ensures long-term durability and efficiency, ultimately providing added value to our customers.
Since the suppressor is manufactured by printing, is it easy to clean the inside of encrustations and carbon deposits?
When maintained with the proper cleaning regimen, carbon buildup is effectively minimized, ensuring consistent performance and the suppressor’s longevity.
In operational use, given that the suppressor withstands much higher temperatures than the barrel, how is a quick change carried out in light machine guns such as the Negev and how is the hot suppressor transferred?
The suppressor is supplied with a heat-resistant cover that withstands its high operating temperatures, along with a tool for safe, hands-off removal. The spare barrel is equipped with a suppressor mount/flash hider to facilitate a quick, efficient transfer. In recent years, changes in combat doctrine and firing practices have reduced the frequency of barrel swaps, driven by updated firing regimes and maintenance routines.
Can the new devices also be mounted on weapons from other manufacturers simply by changing the flash hider? Do they require gas systems with specific adjustments for use with a silencer?
Yes, the suppressors use industry-standard threading across calibers, so that they can be mounted on other manufacturers’ weapons by changing the flash hider. At the same time, they are designed as low-pressure suppressors, which have minimal impact on a weapon’s gas system and therefore do not require any special adjustments for use.
What is the expected service life? What are the elements that most influence it?
The suppressor has an expected service life of approximately 20,000 rounds when properly maintained. As with any precision system, factors such as ammunition quality and consistent maintenance play a significant role in achieving optimal longevity and performance.
Once the service life has been reached, are there internal components that can be replaced, or does the entire device need to be replaced?
No, there aren’t, but in our testing, we’ve reached lifespans upwards of 50,000 rounds.
Do you plan to further expand the range, including other calibers?
Yes, we are planning to expand this further.
To find out more please visit the IWI website.
