ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems and its subsidiary Atlas Elektronik introduced new models of torpedo neutralization weapons that have become smart enough to change the balance of power in naval warfare.

There is a trend among developers to introduce kinetic or high-efficiency interceptors that can overcome the homing deception that modern torpedoes have.

“False targets become increasingly ineffective against torpedoes that can return and re-attack the ship after the torpedo misses on the first pass”said Johannes Peters, a marine analyst at the University of Kiel, Germany.

According to him, the worldwide spread of torpedo-carrying submarines makes the problem even more serious. “Submarines are the best weapon to challenge the dominating surface fleet”explained.

German company Atlas Elektronik, part of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, showed the status of the SeaSpider anti-torpedo torpedo. A company official said the firm plans to begin production of a surface ship version in 2025, along with the submarine version in a few years.

SeaSpider will launch a few seconds after detecting an approaching torpedo and then destroy it. The surface variant can be installed on larger surface ships such as frigates, as well as smaller vessels such as corvettes and patrol vessels, and can also be installed on specialized stationary launchers.

Israeli company DSIT Solutions presented a new anti-torpedo complex for submarines. It combines the company’s hull-mounted sonar sensor with parent company Rafael Advanced Defense Systems’ anti-torpedo defense system. Rafael explains that the installation includes a decoy called the Torbuster, which is launched at a safe distance from the ship and is designed to “tear” the torpedo with acoustic signals to detonate only when close.

According to Hanan Marom, Rafael’s vice president of marketing and business development, the company has an “internal project” to launch the Torbuster from surface ships. According to Marom, this option should be smaller, lighter and deployable using existing missile launchers on ships.

However, this technology may not work against more modern seekers programmed to find and track the ship. The guns hit their targets by aiming at the ship’s thrust balloons – identifying the right ship may take a few passes.

“Torpedoes are no longer ordinary stun detonators as we know them”, – said Peters. He explained that modern torpedoes are often paired with submarine operators and allow for eccentric maneuvers. Some may also travel secretly.

According to Peters, instead of hitting targets directly, they were programmed to explode, launch and smash beneath the ship.

In naval combat, once the torpedo is fired, “usually you don’t have a chance,” he added.

But companies like Atlas, DSIT and Rafael say they can make a difference with their sensor and prevention packages.