New missiles to maximise Russian navy's limited reach

Subject

Russia's naval missile programme.

Significance

Short of warships, the Russian navy is multiplying its offensive capacity with the Kalibr range of cruise missiles. Missile deployment is partial compensation for the lagging delivery of vessels of frigate size and above, and will extend the life of old warships. Delays in building new vessels and upgrading old ones mean only the Black Sea Fleet has significant numbers of Kalibr-capable ships.

Impacts

• The use of small vessels in the Caspian Sea to launch missiles at Syrian targets exemplifies the way long reach can be reached at low cost.
• While missiles fill one gap, Russia will not match the US Navy's aircraft carriers for years to come.
• Russian ground forces are similarly being augmented by a range of cruise and ballistic missiles, including the Iskander family.