Rheinmetall Defence Australia has begun assembly of its first systems in Australia Multi Ammunition Soft Kill (MASS), intended for installation on Royal Australian Navy units.
The MASS system is an "off-board" countermeasures system designed to counter incoming missiles and asymmetric threats, ensuring a countermeasures effect. soft kill and bespoke shielding for naval vessels. MASS will initially be deployed on six platforms, with the potential for later deployment on the Australian Navy’s future fleet.
The countermeasures activated by the system generate a decoy target, which the incoming missile interprets as a higher-value target, causing it to deviate from its trajectory. MASS releases these countermeasures autonomously, taking into account the wind, the ship's navigation data and the characteristics of the threat.
Rheinmetall Defence Australia Managing Director Nathan Poyner said that after extensive testing, MASS was chosen for its unique capabilities:
"This is the largest single order ever received by the Group for a naval defence technology and could expand to equip the entire Australian fleet.
Rheinmetall Defence Australia assembles the systems in Australia before installing and commissioning them aboard the Navy's surface combatant vessels.
The Australian MASS contract has secured over 30 new jobs at MILVEHCOE for naval systems production.
Although the contract is set to expire in 2027, Rheinmetall Defence Australia will be responsible for maintaining the operational capability of these countermeasures units beyond that date.", added Poyner.
"The MASS systems ordered by the Royal Australian Navy are being assembled and tested at Rheinmetall Defence Australia's Centre of Excellence for Military Vehicles.
This will open up new opportunities for the Group’s Australian supply chain expansion. MASS offers potential partners in the Australian defence industry the opportunity to collaborate with Rheinmetall and the Royal Australian Navy to realise this essential defence capability.
Rheinmetall is committed to developing Australia's industrial capabilities and creating skilled jobs in advanced manufacturing, with a particular focus on the mechanical, electrical, munitions and software sectors.
Our partnership with the Royal Australian Navy is a key element of our long-term investment in Australia's defence capabilities and we are proud to be part of the Australian Government's commitment to developing a strong, sustainable and globally competitive defence industry.", concluded Nathan Poyner.
