MK 36 Mod 12

The MK 36 Mod 12 is a highly specialized variant of the Mark 36 Super Rapid Blooming Offboard Countermeasure system, more commonly known as SRBOC, which has long been a cornerstone of naval self-defense. This ship-based decoy launcher is designed to fire 130mm chaff or infrared decoys, each intended to confuse or mislead incoming radar-guided and heat-seeking missiles. Unlike earlier modifications of the system, the Mod 12 was specifically engineered to accommodate the launch of advanced active decoys such as the NULKA, which represents a significant leap in naval countermeasure technology.

The primary purpose of the MK 36 Mod 12 is to deploy expendable decoys that mimic the radar or infrared signatures of a vessel, thereby deceiving hostile missile systems. By creating false targets, the system buys valuable time for the ship to maneuver or engage other defensive measures. This capability is critical in modern naval warfare, where anti-ship missiles have become faster, more accurate, and increasingly difficult to evade.

At the heart of the SRBOC system lies the Mark 137 launcher, a mortar-tube arrangement that has proven both reliable and adaptable. The launcher consists of six fixed tubes arranged in two parallel rows, with one row angled at 45 degrees and the other at 60 degrees. This configuration allows for flexible deployment arcs, ensuring that decoys can be launched in patterns that maximize coverage and effectiveness against incoming threats.

The Mod 12 variant distinguishes itself by being specifically designed to fire the NULKA active decoy, which is not a passive countermeasure but an advanced hovering rocket. Unlike traditional chaff or flares that simply disperse material into the air, the NULKA actively emits radiofrequency energy to lure radar-guided missiles away from their intended targets. This makes it one of the most effective and sophisticated decoys currently in service, capable of protecting even high-value naval assets against advanced missile systems.

One of the key technological features of the MK 36 Mod 12 is its use of electromagnetic induction firing. Instead of relying on older mechanical or pyrotechnic methods, the system employs electromagnetic induction to ignite the propelling charges within the decoy cartridges. This not only increases reliability but also reduces maintenance requirements, ensuring that the system can be kept in a high state of readiness with minimal logistical burden.

The decoy payloads available to the system are diverse, allowing it to counter a wide range of missile threats. Traditional chaff cartridges disperse fine metallic strips that create a radar-reflective cloud, effectively confusing radar-guided missiles by presenting them with multiple false targets. Infrared decoys, on the other hand, generate heat signatures that mimic the thermal profile of a ship, drawing away heat-seeking missiles that would otherwise lock onto the vessel’s engines or exhaust systems.

The integration of the MK 36 Mod 12 with the ship’s AN/SLQ-32 electronic warfare suite further enhances its effectiveness. The AN/SLQ-32 provides detection, classification, and tracking of incoming threats, allowing the countermeasure system to be deployed at precisely the right moment. This seamless interface ensures that decoys are launched in response to real-time data, maximizing their chances of successfully diverting hostile missiles.

Deployment of the system typically involves installing two or more launchers on a single ship, each positioned to cover different arcs around the vessel. By pointing the launchers away from the ship, the system ensures that decoys are deployed at safe distances, creating a protective envelope around the vessel. This layered defense strategy provides broad coverage and increases the likelihood that incoming missiles will be deceived before they can reach their target.

The NULKA active decoy represents the pinnacle of this system’s capabilities, offering a unique combination of mobility and deception. Once launched, the NULKA hovers in the air using a rocket motor and control system, maintaining a stable position while emitting powerful radiofrequency signals. These signals are designed to be more attractive to missile seekers than the ship itself, effectively pulling the threat away and neutralizing it without requiring direct interception.

The development of the MK 36 Mod 12 reflects the evolving nature of naval warfare, where passive defenses are no longer sufficient against increasingly sophisticated missile technology. Modern anti-ship missiles are capable of discriminating between simple chaff clouds and real targets, making active decoys like the NULKA essential for survival in contested environments. By combining traditional countermeasures with advanced active systems, the Mod 12 provides a layered defense that addresses both current and emerging threats.

In addition to its technical sophistication, the system is valued for its adaptability across different classes of naval vessels. From smaller frigates to large aircraft carriers, the MK 36 Mod 12 can be installed and integrated into existing defensive architectures with relative ease. This flexibility ensures that a wide range of ships can benefit from its protective capabilities, enhancing the overall resilience of naval fleets.