Multi Ammunition Softkill System MASS Advanced Naval Electronic Warfare Solution

The Multi Ammunition Softkill System (MASS) has emerged as one of the most advanced naval countermeasure solutions in modern maritime defense. Developed by Rheinmetall Defence, MASS represents a significant leap in electronic warfare technology, designed to protect naval vessels against the growing threat of sensor-guided anti-ship missiles and asymmetric attacks. Since its introduction in 2002, MASS has been adopted by numerous NATO and non-NATO navies, proving its effectiveness in both blue water and littoral operations.

Photo Credit: Rheinmetall

MASS System Overview

The MASS system is a fully computerized, trainable countermeasure platform that provides ships with rapid-response protection against modern missile threats. Unlike traditional decoy systems, MASS is programmable and multispectral, offering defense across all relevant wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum, including radar, infrared, laser, electro-optical, and ultraviolet. This makes it a versatile solution capable of countering a wide range of missile guidance technologies.

Its modular design allows installation on virtually any type of naval vessel, from patrol boats to frigates and corvettes. MASS can operate as a stand-alone system or be integrated into a ship’s networked C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence) and weapon engagement systems, ensuring seamless coordination with other onboard defense assets.

Key Features of MASS Naval Defense System

• Turnkey solution offering multispectral protection
• Fully computerized and trainable launcher with pitch-and-roll compensation
• Compact design with small dimensions and weight, enabling easy installation on all ship types
• Stealth-oriented design to minimize radar cross-section impact
• Proven effectiveness in international trials and combat environments

These features make MASS not only a defensive tool but also a strategic asset for navies operating in high-threat environments.

Operational Status and Global Adoption

Since its market launch in 2002, Rheinmetall Defence has secured contracts with multiple navies worldwide. The system has been deployed across different classes of ships, ranging from small patrol vessels to larger frigates. MASS has already seen operational use in combat environments, further solidifying its reputation as a reliable and effective countermeasure system.

Its proven track record has made MASS a trusted solution for navies with global responsibilities, ensuring protection against both conventional missile threats and unconventional terrorist-type attacks.

MASS Standard System Configuration

The MASS system is modular, allowing navies to tailor configurations based on vessel size and mission requirements. The standard configuration includes:

• 1–6 trainable launchers
• 1 control unit per launcher
• 32 multispectral rounds per launcher
• Data interface (Ethernet/RS422 or other standard connections)

This modularity ensures flexibility, enabling ships to scale their defensive capabilities depending on operational needs.

Complete Missile Defence Capabilities

MASS provides comprehensive missile defense across different operational environments:

• Blue Water Warfare: Decoy mode for open-sea operations
• Littoral Warfare: Screening mode for coastal defense scenarios
• Asymmetric Threats: Screening mode against unconventional attacks

This adaptability ensures MASS remains effective whether deployed in high-seas combat or near-shore operations where threats can emerge suddenly and unpredictably.

Technical Specifications of MASS Launcher

• Ammunition capacity: 32 rounds per launcher
• Stabilization: Pitch-and-roll compensation for accuracy in rough seas
• Bearing velocity: 100°/s (2-axis)
• Bearing acceleration: 360°/s² (2-axis)
• Launcher weight: 342 kg
• Launcher height: 1.1 m
• Sweeping radius: 1.3 m

These specifications highlight MASS’s ability to deliver rapid, precise countermeasures even under challenging maritime conditions.

MASS ISS: Integrated Sensor Suite

One of the most advanced optional configurations is MASS_ISS, developed jointly by Rheinmetall and Saab Grintek Defence. MASS_ISS integrates a multispectral protection suite with built-in sensors capable of detecting radar and laser threats. Key components include:

• Naval Laser Warner System (NLWS): Detects laser threats across wavelengths 0.53μm–1.7μm with a probability of intercept of 99% on multi-pulse sources and 95% on single-pulse sources.
• SME-150 Radar Sensor: Covers frequencies from 2GHz–18GHz, with optional expansion up to 40GHz, offering bearing accuracy of 3.5 degrees RMS.

The system also includes an integrated radar and laser threat library, enabling automated classification and identification of hostile signals. MASS_ISS can be expanded with additional sensors such as Rheinmetall’s MSP600 electro-optical system or the FIRST infrared reconnaissance sensor, further enhancing situational awareness.

MASS ATD: Anti-Torpedo Decoy Capability

The MASS_ATD configuration extends MASS’s defensive role into underwater warfare. By integrating anti-torpedo decoy capabilities, MASS can counter threats from beneath the surface. The kit is designed for 130mm NATO-standard anti-torpedo decoy rounds, making it compatible with existing naval ammunition standards.

Technical Data – MASS_ATD:

• Launching tubes: 1–4 per launcher
• Calibre: 130mm
• Dimensions: 872mm x 220mm x 698mm
• Weight: 30kg per tube

This optional upgrade ensures MASS-equipped ships are protected not only from aerial and surface threats but also from submarine-launched torpedoes.

MASS OmniTrap ER Ammunition

The MASS_OmniTrap ER MK2 represents the latest generation of multispectral ammunition, offering extended range and improved flight trajectory. This ensures precise decoy deployment against modern imaging radar and infrared-guided threats.

Technical Data – MASS_OmniTrap ER:

• Calibre: 81mm x 360mm
• Ultraviolet: 0.3μm–0.4μm
• Electro-optical: 0.4μm–1.1μm
• Laser: 0.4μm–1.5μm, 10.6μm
• Infrared: 2μm–14μm (two-color)
• Radar: I, J, and Ka band
• Range: 10m–400m
• Hazard classification: 1.3G

This ammunition provides comprehensive coverage across multiple spectrums, ensuring ships remain protected against diverse missile guidance technologies.

MASS OCR: Distraction and Seduction Capability

The MASS_OCR configuration introduces offboard corner reflector rockets designed to mimic ship-like radar characteristics. These rockets can persist for over 60 seconds, creating false radar targets to distract and seduce incoming missiles.

Technical Data – MASS_OCR:

• Overall length: 1,550mm
• Calibre: 118mm
• Weight: ~15kg
• Radar coverage: I, J, and Ka band
• Range: 50m–400m
• Hazard classification: 1.2C

Up to four MASS_OCR rounds can be deployed per launcher, providing ships with a powerful deception capability.

MASS DUERAS: Distraction Rocket System

The MASS_DUERAS configuration adds another layer of deception capability. These 82mm distraction rockets can be integrated into any existing MASS configuration, offering extended range and radar coverage.

Technical Data – MASS_DUERAS:

• Overall length: 807mm
• Calibre: 82mm
• Weight: ~9.2kg
• Radar coverage: 8GHz–18GHz
• Range: 100m–2000m
• Hazard classification: 1.2E

With up to four DUERAS rockets per launcher, ships gain enhanced flexibility in deploying distraction tactics against incoming threats.

Strategic Importance of MASS in Modern Naval Warfare

The MASS system addresses the evolving challenges of naval warfare, where adversaries employ increasingly sophisticated missile guidance systems. By offering multispectral protection, MASS ensures ships can counter threats across multiple domains simultaneously. Its modular design, optional upgrades, and proven combat performance make it a cornerstone of modern naval defense strategies.

Navies worldwide face the dual challenge of conventional state-based threats and asymmetric attacks from non-state actors. MASS provides a reliable solution for both scenarios, ensuring vessels remain protected whether operating in contested blue waters or vulnerable coastal regions.