In the attack of Russian naval units against Islamic State positions in Syria, missiles were used cruise 3M-14T Kalibr-Nk ( Nad vodnyl Korabl, or launchable from surface units).
They are equipped with an active GPS / GLONASS guidance system as well as a complex of sensors that gives them great precision in the final attack phase (CEP, Circular Error Probability less than three meters to 2500 km away). With a diameter of 533 mm the Kalibr is capable of carrying a conventional 400 kg warhead of explosives. Respect to Tomahawk Americans have a greater length, allowing them to carry more fuel, which is why they have a higher range and can use a heavier warhead.
The abilities stealth of the missile are highlighted in the terminal phase. THE Kalibr they follow a trajectory that is invisible to the radar tracking, flying at around 30 meters of altitude and accelerating they cover the last 15 km from the target in less than 20 seconds, rendering ineffective any attempt at interception by the anti-missile systems currently in service.
The last attack conducted by the Russian Navy further confirms the projection capacities acquired by its naval units, giving it a regional operating power, thanks to the range of action of 1500 / 2500 km of cruise embarked, which in theory allows beat objectives both on the Baltic territory and, as amply demonstrated, on Syrian territory.
Conceptually i Kalibr they are not recent realizations since their design goes back to the 1983, when the engineers of the Novator office were looking for an answer to the Tomahawk American; Due to the collapse of the Soviet system, development began ten years after the program was launched.
The precise number available to the Russian Navy is still unknown, but a reference point could be the number of vessels equipped with the universal launchers UVLM 3C-14-11442M (not rechargeable at sea): about fifteen, therefore the specimens can be projected at the same time they should be in the order of 150 units.
(photo: Navy)
