March 17, 2025. Rafael Advanced Defence Systems Ltd. and Elbit Systems Ltd. have been awarded a contract to supply a cutting-edge Naval Decoy Control & Launching System (DCLS) to protect the new Frigates of NATO European countries. The contract, set to be executed over a period of four years, includes the delivery of systems for 5 vessels. The agreement is part of a joint program between Rafael and Elbit, and will provide an integrated solution from both companies, featuring Elbit’s state-of-the-art operational Deseaver MK-4 Stabilized and Trainable DCLS, along with a range of Rafaels’s high-end decoy countermeasures.
Photos: Elbit Systems
Rafael’s passive and active decoy countermeasures were designed to effectively neutralize threats such as advanced Anti-Ship Missile (ASM) seekers. Rafael’s family of passive RF and IR decoy countermeasures, such as BEAM TRAP, SMOKE TRAP and WIZARD has undergone a significant recent upgrade with the addition of the C-GEM active decoy, developed specifically to counter the most threatening adversary ASMs.
Elbit’s Deseaver MK-4 Countermeasure Dispensing System (CMDS) is an advanced maritime Electronic Warfare (EW) solution designed to effectively counter complex missile attack scenarios. The system is part of Elbit’s advanced integrated EW suite, which enables high situational awareness in the maritime arena and the ability to counter various threats. The combination of the suite’s ECM capabilities with the launcher’s decoy system enhances the ship’s defense capabilities against different threats.
The integrated system fires various types of decoy rounds from multiple launchers to counter simultaneous threats, positioning it as the fourth generation of naval EW dispensing systems that enhance soft-kill anti-missile defense capabilities. The system consists of trainable and stabilized launchers, capable of rapidly and accurately deploying decoys selected by anti-missile algorithms. It supports the launch of both passive and active decoys and is fully integrated with other ship combat systems. The solution enables the transition from legacy fixed Decoy Launching Systems to the Deseaver MK-4 an operational trainable and stabilized DLS, combining both passive and active decoy countermeasures. This will significantly enhance the vessel’s survivability in modern combat scenarios.
Tzvi Marmor, EVP and General Manager of Rafael’s Land and Naval Systems Division:
We are proud to lead this partnership and are honored by the trust that has been placed in us by awarding us this significant contract. We are committed to delivering cutting-edge, combat-proven electronic warfare solutions that enhance naval operational capabilities. With decades of operational experience and a deep understanding of the evolving threats in the maritime domain, Rafael is dedicated to providing reliable and innovative EW systems that ensure mission success and safeguard our allies at sea.
Oren Sabag, General Manager of Elbit Systems ISTAR & EW:
This award adds to the many contracts we have secured in recent years for EW self-protection solutions across the naval and air domains, highlighting our advanced and proven technologies. The modern battlefield demands innovative and effective EW self-protection solutions, and we are proud to deliver these advanced systems that enhance the effectiveness and self-protection of forces.