A3SM: A True Game Changer for Submarine Self Defence against Threats from t

[Major Shaitan Singh]

A3SM stands for Arme Anti-Aérienne pour Sous Marins (literally Anti-Air Weapon for Submarines). The project was first unveiled during Euronaval 2012 and it actually consists in two versions: a Mast version and an Underwater Vehicle version.

A3SM: What needs does it fulfill?
Today, submarines have no way to defend themselves against air threats. Submarine forces worldwide have an increasing need to operate close to shores in shallow waters. (As an example during the campaign in Libya, submarines were conducting intelligence missions close to shores). In such situation submarines are an easy target for helicopters and maritime patrol aircraft (MPA). When detected in shallow waters, there is no possibility for the submarine to escape, contrary to deep sea where they can employ various tactics and disappear. Up until now, submarines were harmless against air threats, while significantly cheaper and less complex naval platform like small Fast Attack Craft (FAC) may be fitted with a SAM solution.

It is this gap that DCNS and MBDA are looking to fill. The doctrine of use is not for the submarine to attack first. The submarine will keep trying to escape when faced with an air threat as it has always been the case. However the submarine will shoot it down if escape is not possible.

This fast reaction scenario leaves little time to react therefore calls for ready to fire, fire and forget weapons at all time.

 

[InvisbleSoldier]

It will use projected sonar missiles in order to target the sub marines> but a very long long long project. Currently we are defining distance by missiles in the air. But under water is a very difficult.

 

[AUSTERLITZ]

Its not really a game changer,for submarine survival is stealth.Once it launches missile its location is compromised.Its only a last ditch defense once already detected.

 

[Audio]

Its only a last ditch defense once already detected.

That's why it is a "game changer". Because up till now the only solution was to run and hope you get away before the guy calls another asset so they make a better search grid. But if you eliminate the threat, you slip away like a boss.

 

[Rocky rock]

nice thing we should upgrade our "Agostas" with this system!

 

[AUSTERLITZ]

That's why it is a "game changer". Because up till now the only solution was to run and hope you get away before the guy calls another asset so they make a better search grid. But if you eliminate the threat, you slip away like a boss.

Yu can't slip away once ur position is located,surface groups that hunt subs will always heavily outnumber a sub.There is no getting away,best they can hope for is perhaps taking a ASW helicopetr or maritime patrol down with it.

 

[Audio]

Yu can't slip away once ur position is located,surface groups that hunt subs will always heavily outnumber a sub.There is no getting away,best they can hope for is perhaps taking a ASW helicopetr or maritime patrol down with it.

Amazing that you cannot see the tactical advantage. Surface groups that hunt subs generally are separated by many kilometers while they do their search pattern. It's not like the helicopter is 200 meters away from the ship. So, killing the helicopter gives you some time to disapear ....

 

[AUSTERLITZ]

Amazing that you cannot see the tactical advantage. Surface groups that hunt subs generally are separated by many kilometers while they do their search pattern. It's not like the helicopter is 200 meters away from the ship. So, killing the helicopter gives you some time to disapear ....

Thye are datalinked,firing compromises ur position,Sonars lock on you and then its near impossible to get out unless u can outrun it.I admit there is advanatge.but not game changer.

 

[Audio]

Thye are datalinked,firing compromises ur position,Sonars lock on you and then its near impossible to get out unless u can outrun it.I admit there is advanatge.but not game changer.

lol....your position is already compromised if you have to use weapons to run away, if it wouldn't be compromised you would just continue evading. It says in the article, that this is a last defense mechanism, once there is no other way to get out undetected/undamaged.
Datalink and sonar's doesn't mean much if the second guy still has to come in the area, to your last known coordinates, while you used that time to run away.
And whilst your admittance is unimportant, it is a game changer, because it enables the submarine to fight back, which up until this point they were unable.

My last post here. No interest in debating this with you any further.

 

[AUSTERLITZ]

lol....your position is already compromised if you have to use weapons to run away, if it wouldn't be compromised you would just continue evading. It says in the article, that this is a last defense mechanism, once there is no other way to get out undetected/undamaged.
Datalink and sonar's doesn't mean much if the second guy still has to come in the area, to your last known coordinates, while you used that time to run away.
And whilst your admittance is unimportant, it is a game changer, because it enables the submarine to fight back, which up until this point they were unable.

My last post here. No interest in debating this with you any further.

I'm not disagreeing with you,i'm just differing on level of impact.This getting away part is where i differ with u.Not with ability to fight back.