Spain Develops SILAEM Naval Close-In Defense System to Counter Missiles and Drones.

Spanish defense company Indra is leading the development of the SILAEM naval close-in defense system for the Spanish Navy under the Special Modernization Programme. The project aims to give Spanish warships a new layer of protection against modern missile, drone, and fast attack threats.

SILAEM is being developed as a next-generation shipborne defense capability designed to defeat multiple threats in the final layer of naval protection. The system is intended to counter anti-ship missiles, aerial and surface drones, helicopters, and hostile fast attack craft, improving the survivability of Spanish Navy surface combatants as naval warfare increasingly shifts toward high speed and unmanned threats.

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 The Spanish amphibious assault ship Juan Carlos I (L-61) during interoperability training in the Adriatic Sea, 22 February 2023 (Picture source: US Navy)

With a budget of €51 million, the SILAEM programme includes the development of two configurations: a standalone version and a version fully integrated with the Spanish Navy's SCOMBA combat management system. The system is intended to serve as the final layer of a warship's defense by providing a rapid interception capability against threats that have penetrated medium- and long-range air defense systems.

According to information released by Indra on July 27, 2026, the system combines an X-band fire-control radar, a missile launcher turret, and laser-guided missiles, all coordinated by an advanced command-and-control system responsible for target detection, tracking, and engagement. The architecture is designed to counter saturation attacks involving multiple simultaneous aerial and surface threats.

One of SILAEM's main characteristics is its open architecture, which enables interoperability with sensors and combat systems from different manufacturers. This approach facilitates integration across a wide range of naval platforms and improves compatibility with NATO and allied navies. It also allows the system to be upgraded over time through the integration of additional sensors and new capabilities.

The development of SILAEM reflects a broader trend among European navies to strengthen the layered defense architecture of surface combatants. The increasing use of drones, uncrewed surface systems, and more capable anti-ship missiles is driving demand for terminal defense systems that complement existing air defense assets. SILAEM is intended to fulfill this role by providing a last line of defense after other defensive layers have been penetrated.

At this stage, Indra has not disclosed the system's main technical specifications. The range and speed of the missiles, launcher capacity, performance against supersonic missiles, and the expected timeline for entry into service have not been released. The company has also not identified which classes of Spanish Navy vessels will be the first to receive the system. However, SILAEM's compatibility with the SCOMBA combat management system suggests that it could be integrated aboard the future F-110 Bonifaz-class frigates, upgraded F-100 Álvaro de Bazán-class frigates, the Juan Carlos I (L61) amphibious assault ship, and other Spanish Navy vessels equipped with this architecture. These platforms, however, have not been officially confirmed by either Indra or the Spanish Ministry of Defence.

Through the SILAEM programme, Spain continues to modernize its naval capabilities while supporting its domestic defense industry. Thanks to its modular design, open architecture, and compatibility with NATO standards, the system could also have export potential for navies seeking a modern, scalable, and interoperable close-in defense solution.

Written By Erwan Halna du Fretay - Defense Analyst, Army Recognition Group
Erwan Halna du Fretay holds a Master’s degree in International Relations and has experience studying conflicts and global arms transfers. His research interests lie in Security and strategic studies, particularly the dynamics of the defense industry, the evolution of military technologies, and the strategic transformation of armed forces.