Denmark has awarded Rheinmetall a $116-million contract to supply its MASS self-protection systems for its frigates.
The Danish arms procurement agency has awarded Rheinmetall an approximately 745-million-krone ($116-million) contract to supply its Multi Ammunition Softkill System (MASS) self-protection systems for the Absalon-class and Iver Huitfeldt-class frigates.
Five decoy-launching systems will be procured under the seven-year contract, which can be extended to 20 years. The framework agreement has a total value of up to 1.275 billion kroner ($198 million) and includes the supply of ammunition and maintenance services.
Integration will take place in Korsør and Frederikshavn, Denmark.
The systems will equip Denmark’s two Absalon-class anti-submarine warfare frigates and three Iver Huitfeldt-class air defense frigates, enhancing their survivability against threats such as anti-ship missiles and laser-guided weapons.
Multi Ammunition Soft Kill System
MASS is an off-board soft kill countermeasure system designed to protect ships from anti-ship missiles and other sensor-guided threats by deploying multispectral Omni Trap decoys to divert incoming weapons.
The system can autonomously select and deploy decoys based on wind conditions, vessel navigation data, and the characteristics of the incoming threat.
MASS can be configured with up to six launchers, each carrying up to 32 decoys. It can be installed on vessels ranging from offshore patrol vessels to frigates and operated either as a standalone system or integrated with existing command-and-control and weapon control systems.
