The Harpoon missile, first fielded in 1977, became the standard SSM of the 1980s and 1990s. This was not only because of its effectiveness, but because of its versatility. It could be carried by surface ships, aircraft, and fired from a standard 21-inch torpedo tube. Although not as large as Russian antiship missiles, its smaller size meant it could be carried on almost any combat aircraft, and fitted to even small vessels, multiplying the number of platforms that presented a potential threat. 91RE2 Ship-Launched ASW Standoff Weapon 3M54E Antiship SSM 91RE1 Sub-Launched ASW Standoff Weapon 3M14E Land-Attack SSM (NOVATOR) The Russians have learned that lesson well. Their latest generation of missiles includes smaller weapons, like the Kh-35 Uran, as well as monsters like the 3M80 Moskit and Yakhont. The most formidable of their new missiles is the Klub system. Not only is it designed for use from ground launchers, ships, subs, or aircraft, but it includes missiles with different functions. Manufactured by NOVATOR, the company evolved the single-purpose SS-N-21 Sampson or “Tomahawkski” into a multirole family of weapons. The 3M54E [SS-NX-27], the first to appear, is a long-range sea-skimmer with a second stage that fires about 10 nm from the target. Accelerating to Mach 3 and dropping to a height of 5 meters, it penetrates the ship’s defenses in a fraction of the time taken by a subsonic missile. A development of the 3M54E is the 3M54E1, which replaces the terminal stage with a larger warhead and more fuel, for longer range. It is compatible with Western torpedo tubes. The 3M14E uses the same airframe, but incorporates I/DSMAC and SATNAV guidance for land attack. It has the same range, and can also be launched from a variety of platforms. The final version is a standoff ASW missile that carries the APR-3E torpedo. It is available in two versions, the 91RE1 for launch from subs, and the 91RE2, for use by surface ships. The designs are altered so that the E1 can be fired from a sub’s torpedo tube, while the E2 is carried in a ship’s vertical launcher. The Russians refer to the surface-launched missiles collectively as the “Klub-N” and the sub-launched versions as the “Klub-S.” Although NOVATOR claims the missile can be used as an ASM, no air-launched variant has yet been displayed or named. Certainly the 3M14 and 3M54 missiles could be carried by many aircraft. Although the system has not yet been deployed by the Russian navy, it has been sold and deployed by he Indians, and may be purchased by the Chinese. India The Indians are deploying the 3M54E1 on both their Russian-built Project 1135.6 Talwar-class frigates and their Project 877E [Kilo-class] subs. Sindhushastra, the 10th unit of the class, was commissioned in July of 2000 and is the first sub with the capability to fire the 3M54E1. Earlier units are being upgraded as they return to Russia for refit. Sindhuvir may have already been refitted. Sindhukesari, Sindhuraj and INS Sindhuratna are in the yards now and will get it. The Talwar class, a development of the Krivak III, will carry eight missiles in a vertical launcher. Although only the 3M54E1 has been listed in Indian service, Indian naval officials have mentioned “seaward attack on land targets” as an important capability, and once fitted with the Klub launchers, the 3M14E missiles can quickly be fitted. Chinese The Chinese, who also operate two Project 877EKM [Kilo] and two Project 636 [Kilo II] subs, have purchased other advanced Russian missile systems, including the 3M80, the Kh-35 and the Kh-31. Adding a submerged-launch SSM capability to their subs would be very attractive, but whether they have the funds to purchase any more technology, or the ability to absorb what they have already purchased, is unknown. Another potential customer for the Klub system is Iran. They also operate three Project 877E Kilo-class subs, but it is more likely that they’d base the missiles ashore, as they’ve done with Chinese HY-2 [CSS-N-2 Silkworm] SSMs. The Russian 3M54E/E1 missiles would have longer range and better seekers than the earlier Chinese weapons. While there is no indication that the Klub system has been sold to Iran, her closer relations to Russia (see the article on page 32) make the system accessible any time she wants to buy it. Klub Missile System Statistics Name Guidance Msl Gen Surf Range Warhead (kg) Damage Points Remarks 3M54 [SS-NX-27] I/TARH 3 120.0 200 40 SS, TM, at 11 nm from target accelerates to 1380 kts (11.5 nm/turn) 3M54E1 I/TARH 3 162.0 400 40 SS, TM 3M14E I/TERCOM 3 162.0 400 80 Land Attack cruise missile All missiles have a speed of 600 knots and a cruise trajectory at VLow altitude. They rise to Low altitude the turn of launch. They all have a minimum range of 6.5 nm. They all have a VSmall signature and a ROF of 8 missiles per Engagement Turn. Name Min. Rng (nm) Max. Rng(nm) Speed (knots) Payload Remarks 91RE1 2.7 27.0 1000e APR-3 torp Max launch speed 15 kts, depth 150 m. From sub. 91RE2 2.7 21.6 1000e APR-3 torp From surf ship BT Back to The Naval Sitrep #20 Table of Contents Back to Naval Sitrep List of Issues Back to MagWeb Master Magazine List © Copyright 2001 by Larry Bond and Clash of Arms. This article appears in MagWeb (Magazine Web) on the Internet World Wide Web. Other military history articles and gaming articles are available at http://www.magweb.com