Last week, the German company TKMS reported that it will develop a new anti-aircraft missile system called IDAS (Interactive Defence and Attack System for Submarines) to equip the German Navy’s Type 212 submarines. TKMS has already secured an initial contract from the Federal Ministry of the Interior’s Procurement Office (BAAINBw) at the end of last year. This system is being developed in collaboration with Diehl Defence, as both companies are working together in the IDAS consortium to enhance the self-defense capabilities of the mentioned submarines.

IDAS launch container on the U33 (Type 212A).

Oliver Burkhard, the current CEO of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, commented, “We are excited that this innovation project can now move forward. At thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, we are contributing to a completely new capability in submarine self-defense, while enhancing the safety of personnel and equipment in challenging future deployment scenarios.”

Regarding the missile’s specifications, specialized media report that it is a system weighing approximately 100 kilograms, with a length of 2.8 meters and a diameter of around 18 centimeters. Each missile will be stored in a container capable of holding up to four missiles, which are individually launched through a torpedo tube when needed. Upon surfacing, the missile accelerates to a speed of 200 meters per second toward its target, guided at all times by the submarine’s modern data link and infrared sensors.

Diagram of the IDAS system in operation.

It is important to highlight that the development of the IDAS system has been ongoing for more than 20 years, with multiple occasions where the German government’s apparent interest in acquiring it had fallen through. A notable example occurred in 2022, when the project was included in June in the Bundeswehr Special Fund’s economic plan, only to be removed from the roadmap in October. However, the recent awarding of the contract by BAAINBw will be financed with ordinary defense budget funds, signaling a consolidated interest in the new system. According to local reports, the missile is expected to be developed and ready for service by 2029.

Image credits: TKMS

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