Russia's 2026 weapons export orders have reached $60 billion, with a mysterious country placing large orders for "Kalibr" missile systems
Alexander Mikhayev, general manager of Russia's sole arms exporter, Rosoboronexport, revealed that the company's order portfolio for 2026 has exceeded $60 billion. The list of weapons exports this year includes a large number of "Kalibr" cruise missile orders.
Mikhayev did not disclose the specific country that will receive the "Kalibr" cruise missiles. The client is likely one of the countries that have already deployed the export version of the missile system, "Klub," including Algeria, India, Iran, China, and Vietnam. The "Kalibr" (or "Klub") missile family includes various anti-ship and land-attack cruise missiles. Some models are equipped with a two-stage propulsion system, which can initiate a supersonic sprint during the terminal attack phase, significantly reducing the response time of air defense systems.
The main launch platforms for export models are two: Club-S, designed specifically for submarines, and Club-N, intended for surface ships. In addition, there are land-based Club-T, container-type Club-K, and even air-launched Club-A.
Club-S can launch anti-ship missiles 3M-54E and 3M-54E1 with a range of 300 kilometers and a warhead weight of 200 kilograms.
Club-N carries 3M-54TE and 3M-54TE1 with similar performance. This platform can also launch 3M-14E land-attack missiles, which have a range comparable to the anti-ship type, but with an increased warhead weight of 450 kilograms.
The same type of missile as Club-N is 3M-14TE.
All missiles use GLONASS-assisted inertial guidance combined with a terminal active radar seeker, achieving precision strikes at the centimeter level. In addition, these missiles can fly as low as 50 meters above ground and 20 meters above water, making them more difficult for air defense systems to intercept.
Some observers speculate that these missiles will be exported to Iran to equip its three Kilo-class diesel attack submarines, which already have "Klub-S" missiles. However, considering that Iran can now independently produce various cruise missiles, this speculation is less likely. Cruise missiles are more likely to be sold to Algeria, which is known for strictly keeping its military procurement projects confidential. Other countries that have already deployed the system usually publicize their procurement information. The country already has six Kilo-class diesel attack submarines, all of which are believed to be equipped with the "Klub-S" missile system.
It is worth noting that Russian President Vladimir Putin recently revealed that Russia exported $15 billion worth of weapons to 30 countries in the past year.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1856651875697865/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.