Germany completes development of unique underwater anti-aircraft missile IDAS to counter Russian helicopters

The German company ktMS has signed a contract with the Bundeswehr procurement department (BAAINBw) to complete development of the underwater-launched anti-aircraft missile IDAS (Interactive Defence and Attack System for Submarines).

Development unique underwater anti-aircraft missile IDAS against Russian helicopters will take 30 years, but it will be worth it. Reports Defence Express

This innovative system allows submarines to hit air targets, such as Russian anti-submarine helicopters, from an underwater position.

It is expected that the qualification and refinement of the system will be completed by the end of 2029. Given that the development of IDAS started in the early 2000s, the total period of its creation will exceed 30 years.

Stages of IDAS development

• 2003: the first “throw” tests were carried out.
• 2008: the first underwater launch of the missile was carried out.
• 2023: a contract has been signed to resume active work and complete the project.

The project is being developed jointly by the companies ktMS and Diehl Defence, with the participation of the Norwegian Kongsberg and Nammo, as well as Turkish Roketsan. The IDAS missile is a deep modification of the IRIS-T.

Characteristics of the IDAS missile

The IDAS missile is designed to destroy low-altitude, slow targets, such as anti-submarine helicopters, at a distance of up to 15 km. It is also capable of attacking ground and sea targets. Main technical characteristics:

• Rocket speed: ~200 m/s (significantly less than the basic IRIS-T – 1020 m/s).
• Launch: from a standard-sized torpedo tube (533 mm).
• Ammunition: 4 missiles are stored in the launch container.
• Guide: fiber optic cable and IR homing head.

Principle of operation IDAS

1. Target detection: The submarine's acoustic sensors determine the location of the air threat.
2. Missile launch: IDAS starts from the torpedo tube and moves underwater towards the target.
3. Surface exit: Upon approaching the target, the missile emerges from the water, unfolds its aerodynamic surfaces and is guided to target.
4. Control: the operator controls the flight through the missile's camera, which transmits the image via a fiber-optic cable. In the event of a cable break, the missile automatically performs the task or self-destructs to avoid collateral damage.

The value of IDAS for the submarine fleet

IDAS will become a kind of “weapon of last resort” for submarines, especially in shallow water, when there is no way to retreat to depth or avoid detection by the enemy. Its versatility and the ability to be launched from any submarine without structural changes make this system extremely valuable to the German Navy.