Australian navy strengthens ship defences and sensors in face of new threats
The MASS defensive decoy system will be installed on Australian frigates and destroyers. (Photo: Rheinmetall)
With new threats looming, Australia is improving its ship defences against missiles, as well as boosting its submarine detection capacity.
Australia announced on 5 May that it was procuring the Multi-Ammunition Soft-Kill System (MASS) from Rheinmetall Defence Australia, while a day earlier the US government announced approval to sell a passive towed-array sensor to Australia.
MASS will be installed on ANZAC-class frigates and Hobart-class destroyers of the Royal Australian Navy (RAN).
The A$180 million ($121.6 million) contract, to be implemented over a five-year period, will enhance these vessels’ ability to defend themselves against anti-ship missiles. The equipment will be assembled at Rheinmetall’s facility in Brisbane, creating up to 45 new jobs.
Minister for Defence Industry Pat Conroy
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![HMS Anson’s milestone stay in Australia cut short during AUKUS deployment]()
HMS Anson’s milestone stay in Australia cut short during AUKUS deployment
The Astute-class submarine’s visit to Australia was the first time maintenance activity on a UK Royal Navy nuclear submarine had been carried out in the country.
-
![US Pentagon claims to have severely damaged Iranian capabilities, promises to increase attacks]()
US Pentagon claims to have severely damaged Iranian capabilities, promises to increase attacks
US military authorities claim to have sunk 20 Iranian vessels and destroyed Tehran’s Air Force, with the Pentagon making plans to send additional assets to the region.
-
![Greece’s newly commissioned FDI frigate deployed to Cyprus]()
Greece’s newly commissioned FDI frigate deployed to Cyprus
The recent naval modernisation efforts by the Hellenic Navy have been bolstered by the acquisition of advanced Naval Group frigates, the first of which was delivered in December 2025 and is now playing a crucial role in the latest Middle East conflict.
