The frigate of the Pacific Fleet "Marshal Shaposhnikov" launched a rocket of the newest anti-submarine complex "Answer".

According to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the shooting took place in the Sea of ​​Japan, and the missile's warhead successfully hit an underwater target.

"To launch anti-submarine missiles, universal launchers are used, which also allow the use of cruise missiles" Onyx "and" Caliber ", - noted in the department.

Back in September 2019, the Deputy Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation Alexei Krivoruchko spoke about the test progress of the promising Answer complex following a visit to the Gidropribor and Elektropribor enterprises, which developed the complex.

According to him, in 2019, the pilot production of "Answer" began, and state tests were planned to be completed in 2020.

Then the Deputy Minister of Defense of the Russian Federation said that the "Answer" complex would be armed with new and modernized surface ships of the corvette, frigate, and cruiser classes, including the Admiral Nakhimov heavy nuclear missile cruiser.

“The complex is designed to destroy potential enemy submarines.

After separation from the missile, the warhead falls into the area where the submarine is likely to be located and automatically finds and hits it, "Krivoruchko explained.

In November 2020, TASS, citing a source in the military-industrial complex, reported that "Answer" had passed state tests.

"State tests of the newest ship anti-submarine complex" Answer "have been successfully completed.

They were carried out since 2019 from the board of the first serial frigate of project 22350 "Admiral Kasatonov", - said the interlocutor of the agency.

Torpedo casting

The RF Ministry of Defense has not yet made public the exact tactical and technical characteristics of the "Answer".

According to data from open sources, the complex deployed on surface ships uses the 91RE2 anti-submarine missile.

Its mass is 1300 kg, length - 6.5 m, firing range - 40 km, flight speed - Mach 2.

An anti-submarine torpedo MPT is installed on the 91RE2 rocket as a warhead, which can reach speeds of up to 45 knots, with a cruising range of 8 km and a cruising depth of up to 450 m.

When using the complex, the rocket is launched into the area of ​​the alleged location of the enemy submarine.

In the target area, she drops a torpedo by parachute into the water.

After that, the MPT continues an independent search for an enemy submarine using its sonar equipment.

In this case, the "Answer" guidance can be carried out not only by ships, but also by anti-submarine helicopters and aircraft.

This complex is distinguished by a long firing range, high accuracy of the torpedo output to the drop point and, therefore, a greater likelihood of hitting a submarine, explained Konstantin Sivkov, Doctor of Military Sciences, retired 1st rank captain, in a conversation with RT.

"The warhead of the complex is a small-sized torpedo that can destroy submarines ... This type of torpedo is already in service with the Navy," the expert explained.

Modern systems

Analysts note that the development and adoption of the "Answer" for armament is carried out within the framework of the state program for the development of weapons.

Recall that in early November, Vladimir Putin, during one of the meetings on defense topics with the participation of the military, leaders and designers of military-industrial complex enterprises, said that by 2027 the Russian Navy will have 70% of new weapons.

“Over the past four years, the Navy has included 49 new ships and combat boats, nine advanced missile systems, and ten aircraft.

The fleet modernization program is being steadily increased.

In general, by 2027, the level of its equipment with modern weapons should exceed 70%, ”the President noted.

  • Rocket launch of the newest anti-submarine complex "Answer"

  • © Ministry of Defense of Russia

Commenting on the successful conduct of rocket fires using the "Answer" complex, Konstantin Sivkov noted that they are an important step towards its adoption by the Russian Navy.

“The emergence of such modern weapons in the Russian Navy is very important, since the submarines of the potential opposing powers of the Russian Federation, including the United States, are now the key enemy for the fleet.

The presence of such a complex makes it possible to more reliably ensure the fight against enemy nuclear submarines, ”the expert noted.

The editor-in-chief of the National Defense magazine Igor Korotchenko also positively assessed the firing carried out by the Pacific Fleet in the Sea of ​​Japan.

"First of all, these tests are an indicator of the effectiveness of the military-industrial complex of the Russian Federation, its enterprises that produce weapons with outstanding characteristics, including for enhancing the strike and combat capabilities of the Navy," the interlocutor of RT emphasized.

The "Answer" complex will become an important element of the strike capabilities of the Navy, Korotchenko added.

“New modern weapons systems increase the firing capabilities of the fleet, including against underwater targets.

Undoubtedly, with the appearance of such weapon systems and complexes, the combat stability of the fleet increases and the ability to successfully carry out tasks that will be set in naval theaters of military operations, ”he concluded.