Rheinmetall Unveils MASS nova: A Naval Countermeasure System Against Smart Anti Ship Missile

At the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2025 exhibition in London, Rheinmetall introduced the next-generation Multi Ammunition Softkill System (MASS nova), a state-of-the-art naval protection solution designed to counter increasingly sophisticated anti-ship missiles. Building upon the legacy of the original MASS, which has been in service for over 25 years and deployed on more than 50 ship classes worldwide, the MASS nova incorporates advanced technologies to address emerging threats.

Enhanced Launcher Capabilities

The MASS nova features a newly developed launcher with several key improvements:

• Increased Payload Capacity: The launcher now accommodates 40 decoys, up from the previous 32, thanks to the addition of two extra magazines.

• Extended Ammunition Length: The new design supports decoys that are 80 mm longer, enhancing the effective mass and overall performance of each countermeasure.

• Variable Fan Angle: The launcher offers a fan angle exceeding 90°, allowing for variable dispersion patterns to optimize performance against imaging infrared (IIR) and laser-guided missiles.

• 360° Azimuth and 90° Elevation Coverage: The fully trainable launcher ensures comprehensive coverage, providing full screening of the vessel.

These enhancements result in a 50% increase in payload capacity while maintaining a lighter launcher design, thereby improving both effectiveness and efficiency.

Introduction of 3DDS Decoy Drones

A significant advancement in the MASS nova system is the incorporation of the 3D Decoy Swarm (3DDS) drones. Before launch, these drones have a tubular shape, but upon deployment, they transform into quadcopters with four arms and two-blade rotors. Operating as a coordinated swarm, the 3DDS drones mimic the ship's radar and infrared signatures, creating a realistic three-dimensional decoy that can deceive even advanced anti-ship missiles equipped with artificial intelligence algorithms.

The drones are programmed to fly in formations that simulate the ship's superstructure, attracting incoming missiles away from the actual target. With an endurance of one to two minutes, the 3DDS drones provide sufficient time to divert threats. The number of drones deployed varies based on the ship's size, with three to four drones for smaller vessels and eight to ten for larger combatants.

Integration and Future Developments

The MASS nova system is designed for easy integration into existing naval platforms, whether as a standalone system or as part of the ship's command and control infrastructure. Rheinmetall plans to conduct first firing trials in November 2025, with the goal of completing qualification by 2027 and making the system available for deployment by 2028.

In addition to the 3DDS drones, Rheinmetall is developing new infrared payloads, including soot, glass beads, and brass dust, as well as a new generation of longer MASS rounds. The company is also exploring the integration of active radiation capabilities into the decoys to attract anti-radar missiles.

With the MASS nova, Rheinmetall aims to set a new standard in naval self-protection, providing advanced and adaptable solutions to safeguard vessels against the evolving landscape of maritime threats.