Major order: Kuwait procures Rheinmetall’s MASS decoy launchers for the first time – the battle-tried system continues to gain ground

Rheinmetall is supplying the Kuwaiti Naval Forces with Multi Ammunition Softkill Systems (MASS). This is the first delivery of the decoy launcher to Kuwait. A total of eight vessels will be equipped with these systems. The order value is in the low double-digit million-euro range. The contract also includes the corresponding Omnitrap ammunition, with an order value in the high single-digit million-euro range. Integration and verification activities are also part of the commissioning. The total contract value was booked in the second quarter of 2026. Delivery will begin in the second quarter of 2026 upon receipt of the order and will end three years later in the second quarter of 2029.

Rheinmetall is to supply MASS for Al Dorra-class guided-missile boats as part of Kuwait’s largest shipbuilding programme in more than 15 years. These are versatile, open sea stealth patrol vessels. They are being built by Abu Dhabi Shipbuilding on behalf of the United Arab Emirates-based EDGE Group, which is acting as the prime contractor.

In addition to the decoy launchers, the Kuwaiti Armed Forces have ordered the corresponding Omnitrap-ER decoy ammunition. This new generation of decoys features an extended range and an improved trajectory for the precise deployment of decoys against state-of-the-art imaging radar and infrared-guided threats.

MASS protects ships and boats from a wide range of threats, such as attacks by anti-ship missiles or laser-guided weapons, whether on the high seas, in coastal waters or on rivers. It provides multispectral decoys via a single system by covering all relevant wavelength ranges, including radar, ultraviolet, electro-optical sensors, lasers and infrared.

Thanks to its modular design, the MASS system can be installed on vessels of all sizes, ranging from offshore patrol vessels to frigates. It can be integrated into both existing command and weapon control systems with minimal effort, or operated as a standalone system.

photo courtesy Rheinmetall