The missile system can be used in land theaters of military operations
The new Rubezh-ME coastal missile systems have implemented the concept of a "boat on wheels": a control center, radar, and launchers are mounted on one KAMAZ. As a representative of the manufacturer told Izvestia, the new system can hit targets hundreds of kilometers away. At the same time, unlike the complexes of the previous generation, it is compact, maneuverable and can move on public roads. Experts note that the "Frontiers" will be useful in conditions of modern conflicts, and they can be used not only at sea or coastal, but also in land theaters of military operations.
It is managed by one person
The Rubezh Coastal Missile System (DBK) is a modification of the Bal DBK, Andrey Petrakov, General Director of the Typhoon development company, told Izvestia.
"The Ball is heavy, on big cars," he explained. — And here everything is built according to the "boat on wheels" system. All in one — four missiles, its own locator, its own control systems, power, communications. These machines are manufactured on the basis of KAMAZ. They can work both independently and as part of a compound — a division of eight machines. The striking power of eight such units is 32 missiles in a single salvo, the same as that of the Balov division. From the point of view of striking characteristics, everything is like a "Ball". But at the "Frontier" everything is divided into smaller components, that is, combat vehicles, each of which is cheaper, more mobile — it can move along general-purpose roads.
A mock-up of the Rubezh-ME coastal anti-ship missile system
Image source: Photo: RIA Novosti/Alexander Galperin
Andrey Petrakov noted that the crew of the "Frontier" consists of two people — the driver and the commander.
— The launch is carried out from one workplace — this is possible due to the high robotization of the complex, — he specified. — That is, the complex is actually managed by one person. The commander sees the target or receives a target designation, after which he decides on its defeat.
According to the manufacturer, the complex is designed for over-the-horizon detection, tracking and destruction of single surface targets, ship formations and groups, as well as coastal targets. The complex uses low-altitude anti-ship cruise missiles X-35UE with a range of 260 km.
The complex can be equipped with either an active radar station (SPU-A) or a passive radar station (SPU-P). The detection range of the active radar of surface targets is up to 250 km. The detection range of passive radar for surface targets is up to 450 km.
Simultaneously with the self-propelled launcher, a complex of ground-based equipment (CNO) is supplied as part of the Rubezh-ME, designed to carry out maintenance work and prepare for the issuance of missiles to the launcher.
Additionally, the complex can include and supply a module of the main command post, a self-propelled command post, and a training complex.
In the 1980s, there was a coastal missile system with a similar name for launching Termit missiles, military expert Dmitry Boltenkov recalled.
The Rubezh-ME Coastal Tactical Missile System
Image source: Photo: IZVESTIA/Sergey Lantyukhov
— Soviet complexes were supplied to many countries — Cuba, the GDR, Libya, for example, — he told Izvestia. — We received good reviews. The new DBK "Rubezh-ME" was developed as a half-finished version of the "Ball" for export. Most likely, he got the name from his predecessor in order to maintain recognition — you say the name, and experts immediately understand that we are talking about DBK. It's convenient.
Rubezh largely repeats the capabilities of the Bal complex, but due to the more modern and advanced electronics of the X-35UE missile, it even surpasses it, Dmitry Kornev, a military expert and editor of the MilitaryRussia portal, told Izvestia.
— A range of 260 km is more than that of a regular, standard "Ball", — he noted. — This complex is more mobile and, importantly, a less expensive KAMAZ chassis is used in its manufacture. The X-35UE missile developed in the 2000s and 2010s is an improved version of the famous cruise missile. The complex is completely Russian—made - components even from the CIS countries are not used in its manufacture.
The Rubezh DBK will be useful not only at sea or in coastal areas, but also in continental theaters of military operations, the expert is sure.
— The radar homing head of the missile allows you to shoot not only at ships, — said Dmitry Kornev. — It can ensure the defeat of any radio—contrast targets - buildings, bridges, structures and other objects on difficult terrain. The missile itself is transonic, relatively small-sized, which allows for an effective breakthrough of enemy air defenses at low altitudes.
Universal rockets
Earlier, Izvestia reported that the Bal coastal missile systems received an extended-range X-35 missile. The flight range of the updated X-35 has increased and exceeded 300 km. The exact tactical and technical characteristics of the new ammunition have not been disclosed.
It is known that missiles of this family are as versatile as possible. Its carriers can be several series of corvette-class surface ships, missile boats, Su-24, Su-30, MiG-29KR/KUBR, Su-35S and anti-submarine Tu-142, as well as Ka-27, Ka-28 and Ka-52K helicopters. It is known about their tests as part of the onboard armament of the promising fifth-generation Su-57 fighter. In addition, the small missile ships (MRCS) of the 12341 Gadfly project also had the opportunity to use these munitions.
The tactics of using DBK in combat are constantly being improved. Aircraft, helicopters, ships, submarines and unmanned aerial vehicles, with which the DBK is combined into a single information circuit, help rocket scientists in finding targets.
Vladimir Matveev
Julia Leonova
Bogdan Stepovoy
