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DCNS Offers Innovative Air Defense for Submarines

At present, running away is the only way for submarines to defend themselves against torpedoes launched by helicopters and maritime pat...



At present, running away is the only way for submarines to defend themselves against torpedoes launched by helicopters and maritime patrol aircraft. The new anti-aircraft defence systems developed by DCNS in cooperation with MBDA will oblige aircrafts to keep their distance from submarines.
To meet the need for navies to protect their submarines against airborne threats, DCNS is now proposing a weapon system which will be available in two versions.
-Mast-mounted anti-aircraft self-defence system
Designed for incorporation into the fin of a submarine, it comprises a retractable mast supporting a turret containing several Mistral short-range missiles.
Mast version: Comprises a missile housing (that remains watertight throughout the submarine’s operating range and down to maximum diving depth) mounted on a hoistable mast and containing several short-range Mistral missiles that can be fire from periscope depth.

-Self-defence system with an undersea vehicle
An undersea vehicle (UUV), inside which is a Mica medium-range missile, is deployed from a torpedo tube.
UUV preparing for trials
Underwater vehicle version: Comprises a torpedo-like capsule containing a medium-range (20 km) Mica missile that is tube-launchable at any depth. The capsule is similar to the type developed for submarine-launched Exocet anti-ship missiles.
These weapon systems are integrated within the Subtics® combat system, thereby ensuring the submarine’s overall performance from target acquisition and missile launch to target reach.