India signs contract for purchase of Russian anti-ship missiles

India's Ministry of Defence has signed a contract for the supply of Russian anti-ship missiles, presumably of the Kalibr complex manufactured by the Novator Research and Development Bureau.

Here's What We Know

The number of missiles purchased, the value of the deal, and the terms of the contract were not disclosed. The Indian Navy has two classes of ships that can carry these missiles - the Shivalik and Talwar frigates.

The first frigates of both types are equipped with the Club-N export anti-ship system, which includes a 3C-14 vertical launcher with a capacity of up to 8 3M54-TE missiles. This missile is designed to engage surface targets of all classes, even in the face of electronic and fire countermeasures.

The 3M54-TE missile is part of the Kalibr-PLE submarine launch system (export designation Club-S) and the Kalibr-NKE surface-to-air missile system (Club-N). It can be launched from 533-mm submarine torpedo tubes at depths of 30-40 m, as well as from universal vertical launchers of surface ships.

The design of the missile includes a turbojet-powered upper stage and a 400kg penetrating high explosive warhead. The missile flies at subsonic speeds during the launch stage and descends to ultra-low altitudes at the final stage to avoid detection by enemy air defence systems.

Main characteristics: length - 6.2 m, diameter - 0.533 m, wingspan - 3.1 m, launch weight - 1,570 kg. The missile has a range of up to 300 km and a cruising speed of Mach 0.8. The missile is guided by an inertial system on the marshalling stage and an active homing radar head on the final stage.

Source: Indian Ministry of Defence