Russia Develops Defense System Against Suicide Boats

Russia has unveiled modernised version of Komar 3M47-03E ship-based missile launcher, designed to target surface sea drones.

The system made its debut at the Interpolitex-2023 exhibition in Moscow, as reported by RIA Novosti.

The Komar launcher is developed by RATEP JSC, a part of the Almaz-Antey East Kazakhstan concern. It's tailored for ships that may not accommodate heavier air defense systems, offering an adaptable solution. The launcher is equipped with Igla-S missiles as standard, but it also boasts the capability to launch Ataka guided missiles, expanding its target range beyond air threats.

A spokesperson for RATEP JSC stated, "In addition to air targets, low-flying aircraft, and drones, the Komar can now also engage surface targets. This includes a focus on countering surface kamikaze boats, presenting a critical countermeasure."

The key feature of the Komar launcher is its ability to strike surface targets moving at high speeds, with an impressive capacity to engage those traveling at up to 50 nautical knots, equivalent to around 90 kilometers per hour

Komar offers protection against anti-ship missiles, aircraft, and helicopters, even in the presence of natural and radio interference. The system features automatic targeting and launch of Igla and Igla-S missiles from its gyro-stabilized launcher unit. Utilizing electro-optical technology, it can lock onto and track targets through optical and infrared channels, making it adaptable to ships of varying sizes.

Its main characteristics include engagement zones covering altitudes from 0.01 to 3.5 km, ranges from 0.5 to 6 km, and the ability to intercept targets with speeds of up to 400 m/s on intercept courses and 320 m/s on pursuit courses. The system offers a wide aiming area with azimuth coverage of ±165 degrees and elevation from -20 to +70 degrees. The launcher unit can hold 4 or 8 missiles, with a maximum salvo of 2 missiles, and it boasts a quick reaction time of less than 8 seconds. The system weighs 480 kg, making it a valuable asset for naval defense.