(pressebox) (Düsseldorf, 2009-03-31) Public Works and Government Services Canada has contracted Rheinmetall Defence to equip the Canadian Navy's Halifax-class frigates with the MASS (Multi Ammunition Softkill System) naval countermeasures system. Under Canada's FELEX frigate modernization programme, a total of 12 frigates will be equipped with MASS as part of Project Shield. Deliveries will take place during the 2010-2014 timeframe. Rheinmetall Defence's ship protection specialists based in Fronau, Germany is the prime contractor and will conduct the work with Rheinmetall Canada Inc.

Since its market launch in 2002, MASS has attracted orders from nine nations for a total of 130 launchers for 15 different classes of naval vessels. Around the world, this state-of-the-art system protects patrol boats, mine hunters, corvettes, and frigates. In winning this important order, Rheinmetall Defence clearly outperformed its international competitors: MASS is now well on the way to becoming the new NATO standard.

Superior protection with MASS

Guided missiles pose a constant threat to naval vessels and civilian shipping. MASS protects ships from attacks with advanced, sensor-guided munitions on the high seas and in coastal waters as well as from asymmetric terrorist-type threats. If the ship is attacked, MASS fires decoy ammunition diverting the incoming missile from its intended target.

Fully automatic, MASS offers significant tactical, operational and logistical advantages, and can be installed on any type of ship. It can be integrated into all naval command and control systems, but can also operate in a stand-alone mode. Programmable and omni-spectral, the innovative ammunition used by MASS provides protection in all relevant wavelengths of the electromagnetic spectrum (radar, infrared, laser, EO, UV). Numerous international test campaigns have demonstrated its effectiveness in a comprehensive manner.