Germany May Build World’s First Sub With Anti-Aircraft Missiles

When it delivers in the early 2030s, Germany’s next attack sub will be the only known example in the world with active defenses against sub-hunting helicopters, thanks to a procurement package passed in December.

On January 23, Thyssenkrupp confirmed that it has received long-awaited funding for the Interactive Defence and Attack System for Submarines (IDAS). IDAS is a wire-guided antiaircraft missile that can be launched underwater, and is the only publicly known weapon of its kind ever ordered. Some nations’ subs have been known to carry man-portable antiaircraft missile launchers for emergency use, but a man-portable unit…