OVERVIEW: CONTRALTO-V is a ship-launched, active, expendable torpedo decoy system forming part of the French SLAT (Système de Lutte Anti-Torpille / Soft-Kill Anti-Torpedo) defense suite. It is designed to mislead acoustic torpedoes by generating multiple false sonar targets through broadband acoustic emissions.

DETAILS: CONTRALTO-V is developed by Naval Group for surface vessel protection against modern active/passive homing torpedoes. It uses CANTO effectors, launched via pneumatic decoy launchers, to emit powerful acoustic signals across the full sonar spectrum. These effectors create a dense field of deceptive acoustic targets that force the torpedo to lose track of the host ship. The system is fully automated and integrated with ship sensors to provide rapid threat response without manual intervention.

FUNCTION:
It is launched from surface-ship-mounted pneumatic decoy launchers.
Once deployed, it emits high-power broadband acoustic signals and mobile simulators.
This creates multiple sonar echoes that confuse the torpedo seeker, diverting it from the ship.

Platforms: use aboard FREMM-class frigates and other French Navy surface combatants equipped with the SLAT system.

SOURCE:
Naval Group: https://www.naval-group.com/en/news/naval-group-anti-torpedo-defence-system-proves-its-effectiveness ; Naval Technology: https://www.naval-technology.com/projects/contralto/ ; Defense-Aerospace: https://www.defense-aerospace.com/dcns-torpedo-defense-system-passes-tests