MASS (decoy system)

MASS decoy launcher of a Hamina class missile boat

MASS (Multi Ammunition Softkill System) is a naval self-defence system, produced by Rheinmetall of Germany. It is connected to the ship's sensors and protects ships from attacks by advanced, sensor-guided missiles, by launching decoys, that operate in all relevant wavelengths on the electromagnetic spectrum (ultra violet, electro-optical, laser, infrared and radar).

Rheinmetall Defence has stated that "MASS has attracted orders from 9 nations, for 130 launchers, on 15 different classes of naval vessels" as of March 31/09. As of 3rd March 2011, this has been expanded to a total order of at least 172 units.

Customers

• Germany: Brandenburg class frigates, Braunschweig class corvettes, Frankenthal class mine hunters, Kulmbach class mine hunters and the future Baden-Württemberg class frigates

• Canada: Halifax class frigates

• Finland: Hamina class missile boats, Hämeenmaa class minelayers

• Norway: Skjold class patrol boats

• Oman: Khareef class OPVs

• Sweden: Göteborg class corvettes, Stockholm class corvettes and Visby class corvettes

• United Arab Emirates: Baynunah class corvette, Abu Dhabi class corvette, Falaj 2 class patrol vessel

• Peru: Lupo class frigate

three additional unknown customers.

Additional Readings

• Rheinmetall Defence - Mass Multi Ammunition Softkill System

• Rheinmetall Defence (March 31/09) - Rheinmetall to equip Canadian Navy frigates with Mass

• Rheinmetall Defence (April 21/08) - Mass decoy system safeguards ships from symmetric and asymmetric threats

• Behoerden Spiegel - MASS fuer die VAE