At DSEI UK 2025, Rheinmetall unveiled the new MASS nova decoy launching system. Based on the proven MASS, the newly developed launcher brings higher capacity, variable dispersion as well as the capability to deploy drone swarms.
The Multi Ammunition Softkill System (MASS) ship protection capability has been a proven piece of equipment for numerous naval forces for many years. MASS protects ships and vessels from a wide range of threats, such as attacks with antiship missiles or laser-guided weapons – on the high seas as well as in coastal waters or on rivers. At DSEI UK 2025, Rheinmetall presented the next generation of the decoy system, MASS nova, for the first time.
MASS nova features a newly developed launcher with variable fan angle and higher capacity for 81 mm Omni-Trap ammunition. It can deploy 40+4 decoys. It is capable of firing ammunition faster, enabling a quicker response to incoming threats.
In addition to the MASS nova launcher, Rheinmetall has also developed a new decoy technology. MASS nova launches a swarm of drones, the 3DDS (3D Decoy Swarm), from the platform. The drones act as a swarm and generate a three-dimensional radar signature that will be indistinguishable even from future threats. The swarm can separate from the ship, acting independently to generate ship-like manoeuvres, regardless of the wind or conditions.
The newly developed MASS nova launcher is capable of deploying drone swarms as well as new, longer 81 mm ammunition with greater effective mass. This allows for larger payloads, different payload combinations or even greater ranges. The variable fan pattern enables dense screening at various distances and more precise placement of the countermeasure.
MASS nova can be installed on ships of any size. It can be integrated into existing command and weapon systems with little effort or operated as a stand-alone system. The first vessels set to receive MASS nova are the future F127 frigates of the German Navy.
