New guided missiles for submarines: the Bundeswehr has commissioned thyssenkrupp Marine Systems to develop the advanced air defence system IDAS

• Interactive Defence and Attack System for Submarines (IDAS) revolutionises maritime security

• thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Diehl Defence develop unique defence systems for submarines

At the end of last year, the Procurement Office of the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BAAINBw) signed the contract for the development and qualification of a guided missile system for the active self-defence of submarines.

The ‘Interactive Defence and Attack System for Submarines’ (IDAS) system is being developed in close cooperation between thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Diehl Defence. Both companies are combining their expertise in the IDAS Consortium to develop a guided missile that can specifically engage air threats from a submerged submarine. This globally unique technology will be available to customers of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Diehl Defence and will revolutionise the protection of submarines and their crews.

‘We are delighted that this innovation project can now also be launched. At thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, we are contributing to a completely new capability in the field of submarine self-defence, while at the same time strengthening the safety of people and materials in challenging future deployment scenarios,’ says Oliver Burkhard, CEO of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems.

IDAS sets new standards in maritime security. By combining an advanced guided missile and a new ejection unit, submarine crews will in future be able to defend themselves against attacks and detection attempts from the air.

The IDAS project, which has now been commissioned, ‘Development and qualification of a guided missile unit consisting of a guided missile and ejection device for active self-defence of submarines against attacks from the air’ takes submarine defence to a new level.