3M54

3M54 is the NATO reporting name for a family of Russian anti-ship cruise missiles. It is known by its GRAU index, 3M54 Kalibr, and its export designation, 3M54 Klub. This missile is designed to be launched from various platforms including surface ships, submarines, and aircraft. The 3M54 features a dual-mode propulsion system. For the initial boost and cruise phase, it utilizes a turbofan engine. However, in the terminal guidance phase, a solid-fuel rocket motor ignites, accelerating the missile to supersonic speeds. This high-speed approach makes interception by conventional air defenses more difficult. The missile is guided by a combination of inertial navigation and active radar homing, allowing it to target ships effectively. Different variants of the 3M54 exist, differing in range and payload. It is considered a significant weapon in the Russian naval arsenal and has been exported to several countries. The development of the 3M54 began in the late Soviet era, with its first successful test occurring in the 1980s. It entered service with the Russian Navy in the 1990s.