Rheinmetall Begins Australian Assembly of Navy’s Missile Countermeasure Systems

Rheinmetall Defence Australia has started assembling the first Multi Ammunition Soft Kill (MASS) shipsets in Australia for installation on Royal Australian Navy vessels.

The MASS system is an off-board countermeasure designed to protect naval ships by confusing incoming missiles and other threats. It works by launching decoys that mimic higher-value targets, causing incoming missiles to veer off course. The system operates autonomously, using data on wind conditions, ship navigation, and the nature of the threat.

The Australian MASS contract supports more than 30 new jobs at Rheinmetall’s Military Vehicle Centre of Excellence (MILVEHCOE). While the contract runs until 2027, Rheinmetall will also provide long-term sustainment for the systems.

The MASS systems will initially equip six Royal Australian Navy platforms, with potential future installations on additional vessels. Poyner added that the project opens new opportunities for the Australian defence supply chain and supports advanced manufacturing jobs across mechanical, electrical, ammunition, and software trades.