Rheinmetall Defence Australia has commenced the local assembly of the first anti-ship missile soft-kill system shipsets, a significant contract awarded by the Royal Australian Navy. The Multi Ammunition Softkill (MASS) systems, ordered in 2023 for a substantial sum of 125 million euros (approximately $136 million), will be integrated into the navy’s Hobart-class destroyers and ANZAC-class frigates. There is also an option for wider deployment across the naval fleet, which could increase the total value of the contracts to around 1 billion Australian dollars (about $629 million).
The initial deliveries began at the end of 2023, with the expectation of achieving full operational capability by the year 2027. This development marks a pivotal moment for Rheinmetall Defence Australia, as Managing Director Nathan Poyner highlighted that this is the Group’s most significant order to date for ship protection technology. The potential exists for this technology to be expanded to equip the entirety of Australia’s naval fleet.
The MASS system is designed as an off-board countermeasure system that autonomously launches decoy targets aimed at misleading incoming missiles. The system’s intelligence allows it to analyze various parameters, including wind conditions, ship navigation data, and the characteristics of incoming threats before deploying decoy targets.
Each MASS setup includes up to six launchers, capable of launching a total of 32 Omni Trap decoy munitions from each unit. This innovative technology demonstrates the capacity to effectively deceive modern, sensor-guided anti-ship missiles in various maritime environments, including both open seas and coastal areas. The system can function independently or be integrated into existing ship command and control systems as well as weapons engagement systems.
The MASS contract also contributes to job creation in Brisbane, Australia. According to Poyner, the project has generated more than 30 new jobs at the Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE) in Brisbane for the assembly of these shipsets. While the contract is slated to conclude in 2027, Rheinmetall Defence Australia is tasked with the ongoing sustainment of these countermeasure units beyond that period, ensuring continued support and employment in the region.
