The Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO), Denmark's defence materiel authority, has signed a contract with Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH for the MASS countermeasure system for the navy's five frigates in the Absalon and Iver Huitfeldt classes. According to Rheinmetall, the contract value amounts to a two-digit million sum in euros, with deliveries set to begin in the fourth quarter of 2027.
"I am pleased that we have today signed the agreement for an important procurement of a countermeasure system. It is important that Denmark's frigates can withstand hostile attacks from anti-ship missiles, and we are now further strengthening that capability with this system," says Commander Steen Balslev, head of the maritime division at the Danish Defence Acquisition and Logistics Organisation (DALO), in a press release.
The procurement replaces an existing system and covers, according to Rheinmetall, a number of Multi Ammunition Softkill Systems (MASS) for the frigates and the Danish Navy's weapons school. Denmark has also ordered decoys of the Omnitrap-ER type.
DALO describes the equipment as a naval self-defence system that launches and places decoys at the right time and in the right location. The decoys are intended to deceive incoming missiles' target-seeking systems and prevent them from locking onto the vessel itself. According to the authority, the system cannot be used against torpedoes or other systems that move on or beneath the sea surface.
According to Rheinmetall, MASS can be used against, among other things, anti-ship missiles and laser-guided weapons. The system uses multispectral decoys covering radar, ultraviolet radiation, electro-optical sensors, laser and infrared.
MASS is modular and, according to the company, can be installed on vessels of various sizes. It can be integrated with existing command and weapons control systems or used as a standalone system.
DALO states that the agreement includes a 20-year framework agreement for operation and maintenance. Rheinmetall further states that a supply agreement with a duration of up to 21 years has been signed to enable the replenishment of countermeasures for MASS.
According to Rheinmetall, MASS is now used by 18 countries, with more than 400 launching units in operation. The company also states that, following the Danish order, the system is now used by all the Scandinavian navies.