At the Vietnam Defence 2024, from December 19 to 22, 2024, Russia will unveil the Rubezh-ME coastal missile system for the first time. Developed by the Kaluga Instrument-Making Plant “Typhoon,” this modern system is built on a compact, mobile, and integrated architecture designed to meet the operational needs of armed forces in diverse environments. Mounted on a KamAZ chassis, the Rubezh-ME is capable of protecting territorial waters and addressing both maritime and land-based threats.
The Rubezh-ME integrates a command post, radar systems, and launchers onto a single platform. This streamlined configuration, referred to as a “boat on wheels,” minimizes logistical complexity while enhancing mobility across various terrains, including public roads. The system’s firing range extends up to 260 km for export versions and up to 500 km for models designed for the Russian Navy. Its target detection capabilities are supported by an SPU-A active radar, which can locate targets up to 250 km away, and an SPU-P passive radar with a detection range of up to 500 km. These features enable the system to adapt to a wide range of scenarios, from autonomous operations to coordinated use in formations of multiple vehicles.
The Kh-35UE missile, the Rubezh-ME’s primary armament, is a subsonic model measuring 4.4 meters in length and carrying a 145 kg explosive warhead. It is capable of neutralizing surface ships up to 5,000 tons using guidance systems that combine inertial navigation, satellite positioning, and radar homing. The missile flies at low altitudes, ranging from 10 meters above the waves during cruise phases to 3-4 meters in terminal approach, complicating detection and interception efforts. Its versatility also allows it to engage strategic land-based targets such as bridges and military installations, making it suitable for various missions. The export version of the missile has a maximum range of 260 km, while the Russian Navy variant extends to 500 km. High levels of automation in the system enable missile launches to be prepared in under a minute, with operations managed by a single operator.