South Korea’s Defense Acquisition Program Administration (DAPA) has announced significant upgrades to the Multi Ammunition Soft Kill System (MASS), designed to counter the latest advancements in anti-ship guided missile technology. The upgraded system, developed by Rheinmetall, is aimed at enhancing maritime defense capabilities by deploying decoys that create a protective smokescreen around naval vessels.
Originally deployed in 2014, the MASS system operates by launching decoys that emit signals to mislead incoming missiles. These decoys are engineered to mimic the signature of a ship, effectively confusing the missile’s search functions, which include infrared, electro-optical, laser, and radar detection.
However, DAPA noted that recent missile seekers have become increasingly sophisticated, capable of distinguishing between actual targets and decoys through advanced radio-reflection signals. In response, the agency has integrated an offboard corner reflector (OCR) into the MASS as part of the Current Force Performance Maximization Project. This OCR is designed to generate irregular radio signals emulating those reflected from various corners of a ship, enhancing the system’s capability to deceive advanced missile seekers.
The upgraded MASS has reportedly undergone successful demonstrations through actual launches at sea, showcasing its effectiveness in real-world scenarios. The system’s capabilities have also been enhanced by integrating it with the existing combat systems and software of naval vessels, allowing for improved coordination in target management, engagement, and weapons control.
Park Jeong-eun, the director of the infrastructure power business support division at DAPA, expressed optimism about the improvements. He stated that the enhancements to the Anti-Missile Decoy System would bolster the fleet’s defense against anti-ship missiles and significantly increase the survivability of naval ships. DAPA aims to continuously improve military combat capabilities by leveraging the latest technologies in weapon system development.
