TKMS lands contract to develop new guided missile system for submarines

The Procurement Office of the Federal Ministry of the Interior (BAAINBw) has signed a contract with thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) for the development and qualification of a guided missile system for the active self-defense of submarines.

As disclosed, the contract was signed at the end of last year. TKMS is developing the interactive defence and attack system for submarines (IDAS) in cooperation with compatriot weapon manufacturer Diehl Defence.

Both companies are combining their knowledge in the IDAS Consortium to develop a guided missile that can specifically engage air threats from a submerged submarine.

This technology will be available to clients of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Diehl Defence and will revolutionize the protection of submarines and their crews, TKMS noted.

“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,” said Oliver Burkhard, CEO of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems.

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

To remind, in December last year, TKMS signed a deal for the construction of four more submarines in the Type 212CD program. The agreement originally concluded with the firm in July 2021 included the manufacture and delivery of an initial six identical submarines, two for Germany and four for Norway.