RBS15
Encyclopedia
The RBS-15 is a long-range fire-and-forget
surface-to-surface
and air-to-surface
, anti-ship missile
. The later version Mk. III has the ability to attack land targets as well. The missile was developed by the Swedish
company Saab Bofors Dynamics
.
CT-20 target drone). The RB 08 was an anti-ship missile, which functioned basically in the same way as the RBS-15. Both missiles are guided by an autopilot mid-course guidance and a monopulse J-band radar. The sustainer engine is a small turbojet.
Development of the RBS-15 began in the late 1970s under the name KSA. The first weapon contract was signed in 1979, at the last minute the Swedish government had opted not to buy the Harpoon
anti ship missile and instead develop an indigenous design. The development took six years, and the ship version RBS-15 Mk. I was introduced.
The missile had been ordered in 1984 by the Swedish Navy
to develop a coastal defense version of the RBS-15F. The missile was taken into Swedish Navy service as the Rb 15 by the Swedish Navy and became operational in 1985. The Swedish Air Force
received their missiles a couple of years later. The Mk. I was produced from 1985 to 1990.
Work on a further developed version, the RBS-15 Mk. II, was initiated in the early 1980s. But it took until 1994, before a development contract was signed for the upgraded anti-ship missile. The Mk. II has the same range (70+ km), but the mid-course and terminal guidance system, as well as the radar and IR signature were upgraded. The Mk. II has been produced since 1998.
The development of the RBS-15 Mk. III began in the mid-1990s. Emphasis was put on increased range (due to larger fuel capacity and new fuel the range has been increased to some 200 km), improved accuracy (integrated GPS) and selectable priority targeting, which improved the weapon system's flexibility. The Mk. III missile will also be produced by Diehl BGT Defence
of Germany
for the new class of German stealth corvettes, and is likely to be later used on other German Navy
vessels as well. Finnish
truck maker Sisu
produces missile launch trucks for RBS-15. The Mk. III has been in production since 2004.
missile that was used by the Swedish air force. The front of the missile was retained, including the warhead, but the rear received new wings and a turbofan engine replaced the rocket previously used. The RBS-15 underwent trials on the missile FAC HMS Piteå from 1983 and became operational with the Swedish navy in 1985. The Västergötland class submarine
s were projected to have 4 vertical missile launch tubes for RBS-15 missiles in an extended hull but this was canceled due to budget constraints and it didn't fit the way Swedish submarines operated.
RBS-15F: An Mk. I adapted for air launch. Entered service in 1989.
RBS-15 Mk. II: Range 70+ km. Designed to be launched from a number of different platforms, such as land-based launchers, aircraft, and ships.
RBS-15SF: Mk. II version for Finland. Local designation MTO 85 (Meritorjuntaohjus 1985)
RBS-15 Mk. III: Range 200 km, with land attack capability. There is only a ship launched version. Production started in 2004. New Oval launch tubes instead of the old box type.
RBS-15SF-3: Both new Mk. IIIs and upgraded Mk. IIs, which have been upgraded to Mk. III standard. Finnish designation MTO 85M
RBS-15 Mk. IV: Currently being developed. Incorporates dual seekers, has a longer range and new missile link system. The radar signature has been reduced and its warhead can be changed depending on the mission. Future upgrades may include concept optimization for sea or land targets. The range of the Mk. IV would have to be significantly larger than others versions, over 1 000 km.
: It is the primary weapon of the Croatian Navy for its five guided missile corvettes and three coastal systems mounted on Tatra trucks. In total, 48 Mk.I units are in service but their servicebility is thought to be low. Plans for upgrading 21 missiles to the Mk.III standard was cancelled in 2009 due to budget restraints.
: The Finnish Navy
operates both RBS-15SF (Mk. IIs, designation MTO 85, 70 units) and RBS-15SF-3 (Mk. III, designation MTO85M, 48 units). The Mk. IIs are operated from Rauma class FACs
(previously on Helsinki class
vessels as well), and it is also mounted on Sisu trucks for mobile coastal defense. The Mk. IIIs are operated from Hamina class FACs
. Older Mk. IIs (RBS-15F) have been upgraded to Mk. III standard (RBS-15K).
: The German Navy
has chosen the Mk. IIIs and Mk. IVs to equip its Braunschweig class corvette
s and planned F125 class frigates and also plans to upgrade its Brandenburg class frigate
s with Mk. III
: The Polish Navy
has chosen the Mk. III to equip its Orkan class
missile ships and the future Gawron-class corvette. A deal worth 110 million € was signed and the Orkan class ships modifications will be carried out by Thales Naval Netherlands. Mk.II missiles for Navy mobile land based launchers have also been delivered as part of the offset deal.
: The Swedish Navy
operates the missiles from its Stockholm
, Göteborg
and Visby class corvettes
. The Swedish coastal artillery
was also equipped with RBS-15Ms, which were mounted on Volvo trucks. The Swedish Air Force
operates the RBS-15F. The AJ 37 Viggen and the JAS 39 Gripen
carries the missile, with the Viggen no longer in service . The following missiles are or have been used by the different branches: RB04E , RB08A, RBS08A , Mk. I, Mk. II Mk. III, RBS-15F ), RBS-15K and RBS-15M.
will order air-launch version, RBS-15F to equip on Gripen.
. Missiles have since ended up in the Croatian navy.
Fire-and-forget
Fire-and-forget is a third-generation method of missile guidance. The military uses the term for a type of missile which does not require further guidance after launch such as illumination of the target or wire guidance , and can hit its target without the launcher being in line-of-sight of the...
surface-to-surface
Surface-to-surface missile
A surface-to-surface missile is a guided projectile launched from a hand-held, vehicle mounted, trailer mounted or fixed installation or from a ship. They are often powered by a rocket motor or sometimes fired by an explosive charge, since the launching platform is typically stationary or moving...
and air-to-surface
Air-to-surface missile
An air-to-surface missile is a missile designed to be launched from military aircraft and strike ground targets on land, at sea, or both...
, anti-ship missile
Anti-ship missile
Anti-ship missiles are guided missiles that are designed for use against ships and large boats. Most anti-ship missiles are of the sea-skimming type, many use a combination of inertial guidance and radar homing...
. The later version Mk. III has the ability to attack land targets as well. The missile was developed by the Swedish
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
company Saab Bofors Dynamics
Saab Bofors Dynamics
Saab Bofors Dynamics, located in Karlskoga and Linköping, Sweden, is a subsidiary of Saab AB that specializes in military materiel such as missile systems and anti-tank systems....
.
History
The history of the missile can be traced back to the Swedish missile RB 08 from the mid-1960s (which in turn had been developed from the FrenchFrance
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
CT-20 target drone). The RB 08 was an anti-ship missile, which functioned basically in the same way as the RBS-15. Both missiles are guided by an autopilot mid-course guidance and a monopulse J-band radar. The sustainer engine is a small turbojet.
Development of the RBS-15 began in the late 1970s under the name KSA. The first weapon contract was signed in 1979, at the last minute the Swedish government had opted not to buy the Harpoon
Boeing Harpoon
The Harpoon is an all-weather, over-the-horizon, anti-ship missile system, developed and manufactured by McDonnell Douglas . In 2004, Boeing delivered the 7,000th Harpoon unit since the weapon's introduction in 1977...
anti ship missile and instead develop an indigenous design. The development took six years, and the ship version RBS-15 Mk. I was introduced.
The missile had been ordered in 1984 by the Swedish Navy
Swedish Navy
The Royal Swedish Navy is the naval branch of the Swedish Armed Forces. It is composed of surface and submarine naval units – the Fleet – as well as marine units, the so-called Amphibious Corps .In Swedish, vessels of the Swedish Navy are given the prefix "HMS," short for Hans/Hennes...
to develop a coastal defense version of the RBS-15F. The missile was taken into Swedish Navy service as the Rb 15 by the Swedish Navy and became operational in 1985. The Swedish Air Force
Swedish Air Force
The Swedish Air Force is the air force branch of the Swedish Armed Forces.-History:The Swedish Air Force was created on July 1, 1926 when the aircraft units of the Army and Navy were merged. Because of the escalating international tension during the 1930s the Air Force was reorganized and expanded...
received their missiles a couple of years later. The Mk. I was produced from 1985 to 1990.
Work on a further developed version, the RBS-15 Mk. II, was initiated in the early 1980s. But it took until 1994, before a development contract was signed for the upgraded anti-ship missile. The Mk. II has the same range (70+ km), but the mid-course and terminal guidance system, as well as the radar and IR signature were upgraded. The Mk. II has been produced since 1998.
The development of the RBS-15 Mk. III began in the mid-1990s. Emphasis was put on increased range (due to larger fuel capacity and new fuel the range has been increased to some 200 km), improved accuracy (integrated GPS) and selectable priority targeting, which improved the weapon system's flexibility. The Mk. III missile will also be produced by Diehl BGT Defence
Diehl BGT Defence
Diehl BGT Defence GmbH & Ko KG is a German arms manufacturer and a subsidiary of the Diehl Stiftung GmbH with headquarters in Überlingen. Diehl BGT Defence produces mainly missiles and ammunition....
of Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
for the new class of German stealth corvettes, and is likely to be later used on other German Navy
German Navy
The German Navy is the navy of Germany and is part of the unified Bundeswehr .The German Navy traces its roots back to the Imperial Fleet of the revolutionary era of 1848 – 52 and more directly to the Prussian Navy, which later evolved into the Northern German Federal Navy...
vessels as well. Finnish
Finland
Finland , officially the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of Northern Europe. It is bordered by Sweden in the west, Norway in the north and Russia in the east, while Estonia lies to its south across the Gulf of Finland.Around 5.4 million people reside...
truck maker Sisu
Sisu Auto
Sisu Auto is a Finnish truck company. Its name comes from the Finnish word sisu meaning guts, grit and determination.Sisu Auto subsidiary company SISU Defence produces high mobility tactical vehicles for military use.-History:*Sisu established in 1931...
produces missile launch trucks for RBS-15. The Mk. III has been in production since 2004.
Development phase
The missile was developed from the RB 04RB 04
The RB-04 is a long-range fire-and-forget air-to-surface, anti-ship missile. The missile was known as the "RB-304" during development and early service years....
missile that was used by the Swedish air force. The front of the missile was retained, including the warhead, but the rear received new wings and a turbofan engine replaced the rocket previously used. The RBS-15 underwent trials on the missile FAC HMS Piteå from 1983 and became operational with the Swedish navy in 1985. The Västergötland class submarine
Västergötland class submarine
The Västergötland class of diesel-electric submarines was introduced in 1987 by the Swedish Navy. The original four ships of her class, HMS Västergötland, HMS Hälsingland, HMS Södermanland and HMS Östergötland, were built between 1983 and 1988 by Kockums AB...
s were projected to have 4 vertical missile launch tubes for RBS-15 missiles in an extended hull but this was canceled due to budget constraints and it didn't fit the way Swedish submarines operated.
Versions
RBS-15 Mk. I: Powered by a French Microturbo TRI-60 engine, with a thrust of 3.73 kN (380 khp/830 lbf). Range 70+ kmRBS-15F: An Mk. I adapted for air launch. Entered service in 1989.
RBS-15 Mk. II: Range 70+ km. Designed to be launched from a number of different platforms, such as land-based launchers, aircraft, and ships.
RBS-15SF: Mk. II version for Finland. Local designation MTO 85 (Meritorjuntaohjus 1985)
RBS-15 Mk. III: Range 200 km, with land attack capability. There is only a ship launched version. Production started in 2004. New Oval launch tubes instead of the old box type.
RBS-15SF-3: Both new Mk. IIIs and upgraded Mk. IIs, which have been upgraded to Mk. III standard. Finnish designation MTO 85M
RBS-15 Mk. IV: Currently being developed. Incorporates dual seekers, has a longer range and new missile link system. The radar signature has been reduced and its warhead can be changed depending on the mission. Future upgrades may include concept optimization for sea or land targets. The range of the Mk. IV would have to be significantly larger than others versions, over 1 000 km.
Current operators
: The Finnish Navy
Finnish Navy
The Finnish Navy is one of the branches of the Finnish Defence Forces. The Navy employs 2,300 people and about 4,300 conscripts are trained each year. Finnish Navy vessels are given the ship prefix "FNS" simply short for "Finnish Navy Ship"...
operates both RBS-15SF (Mk. IIs, designation MTO 85, 70 units) and RBS-15SF-3 (Mk. III, designation MTO85M, 48 units). The Mk. IIs are operated from Rauma class FACs
Rauma class missile boat
The Rauma class missile boats are a type of vessels in use by the Finnish Navy.It is the predecessor of the Hamina class missile boats. The ships were constructed at the Hollming yards and Finnyards in Rauma, Finland...
(previously on Helsinki class
Helsinki class missile boat
The Helsinki class missile boats are a type of vessel which were in use by the Finnish Navy. They were the predecessors of the Rauma class missile boats...
vessels as well), and it is also mounted on Sisu trucks for mobile coastal defense. The Mk. IIIs are operated from Hamina class FACs
Hamina class missile boat
The Hamina class missile boat is a 4-strong class of fast attack craft of the Finnish Navy. Technically they are classified as "missile fast attack craft", ohjusvene, literally "missile boat" in Finnish.-History:...
. Older Mk. IIs (RBS-15F) have been upgraded to Mk. III standard (RBS-15K).
: The German Navy
German Navy
The German Navy is the navy of Germany and is part of the unified Bundeswehr .The German Navy traces its roots back to the Imperial Fleet of the revolutionary era of 1848 – 52 and more directly to the Prussian Navy, which later evolved into the Northern German Federal Navy...
has chosen the Mk. IIIs and Mk. IVs to equip its Braunschweig class corvette
Braunschweig class corvette
The K130 Braunschweig class is Germany's newest class of ocean-going corvettes. They supplement the Gepard class fast attack craft that are currently used.-Technical details:...
s and planned F125 class frigates and also plans to upgrade its Brandenburg class frigate
Brandenburg class frigate
The F123 Brandenburg class is a class of German frigate. They were ordered by the German Navy in June 1989, and then completed and commissioned between 1994 and 1996 to replace the Hamburg class destroyers...
s with Mk. III
: The Polish Navy
Polish Navy
The Marynarka Wojenna Rzeczypospolitej Polskiej - MW RP Polish Navy, is the branch of Republic of Poland Armed Forces responsible for naval operations...
has chosen the Mk. III to equip its Orkan class
Orkan class
The Orkan class or projekt 660 is series of three fast attack craft of the Polish Navy, in service since 1992.-History:...
missile ships and the future Gawron-class corvette. A deal worth 110 million € was signed and the Orkan class ships modifications will be carried out by Thales Naval Netherlands. Mk.II missiles for Navy mobile land based launchers have also been delivered as part of the offset deal.
: The Swedish Navy
Swedish Navy
The Royal Swedish Navy is the naval branch of the Swedish Armed Forces. It is composed of surface and submarine naval units – the Fleet – as well as marine units, the so-called Amphibious Corps .In Swedish, vessels of the Swedish Navy are given the prefix "HMS," short for Hans/Hennes...
operates the missiles from its Stockholm
Stockholm class corvette
Stockholm class corvette is a corvette class in the Swedish Navy. Built in Karlskrona 1984–1985, it is armed with eight RBS15 anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, one 57mm cannon and several machine guns. In 1999/2000 the two units in the class were upgraded in the Karlskrona shipyard Kockums...
, Göteborg
Göteborg class corvette
The Göteborg class is a class of corvettes in the Swedish Navy, built between 1990 and 1993. The class is armed with eight RBS-15 anti-ship missiles, torpedoes, one 57mm cannon and one 40mm cannon....
and Visby class corvettes
Visby class corvette
The Visby is the latest class of corvette to be adopted by the Royal Swedish Navy after the Göteborg and the Stockholm class corvettes. The ship's design heavily emphasizes "low visibility" or stealth technology. The first ship in the class is named after Visby, the main city on the island of Gotland...
. The Swedish coastal artillery
Swedish coastal artillery
The Swedish coastal artillery has its origin in the Archipelago Artillery that was raised in 1866. The Coastal Artillery was formed from the Archipelago Artillery, the Marine Regiment and parts of the Artillery in 1902...
was also equipped with RBS-15Ms, which were mounted on Volvo trucks. The Swedish Air Force
Swedish Air Force
The Swedish Air Force is the air force branch of the Swedish Armed Forces.-History:The Swedish Air Force was created on July 1, 1926 when the aircraft units of the Army and Navy were merged. Because of the escalating international tension during the 1930s the Air Force was reorganized and expanded...
operates the RBS-15F. The AJ 37 Viggen and the JAS 39 Gripen
JAS 39 Gripen
The Saab JAS 39 Gripen is a lightweight single-engine multirole fighter manufactured by the Swedish aerospace company Saab. It was designed to replace the Saab 35 Draken and 37 Viggen in the Swedish Air Force...
carries the missile, with the Viggen no longer in service . The following missiles are or have been used by the different branches: RB04E , RB08A, RBS08A , Mk. I, Mk. II Mk. III, RBS-15F ), RBS-15K and RBS-15M.
On-order
As a part of Gripen procurement program, Royal Thai Air ForceRoyal Thai Air Force
The Royal Thai Air Force or RTAF is the air force of the Kingdom of Thailand. Since its establishment in 1913, as one of the earliest air forces of Asia, the Royal Thai Air Force had engaged in many major and minor battles. During the Vietnam war era, the air force has been developed with USAF-aid...
will order air-launch version, RBS-15F to equip on Gripen.
Former operators
: Some RBS-15s were delivered during the late 80's for implementation on the new Yugoslavian Navy FACs to replace existing Russian-built missiles, but this project was never finalized due to the Yugoslav warsYugoslav wars
The Yugoslav Wars were a series of wars, fought throughout the former Yugoslavia between 1991 and 1995. The wars were complex: characterized by bitter ethnic conflicts among the peoples of the former Yugoslavia, mostly between Serbs on the one side and Croats and Bosniaks on the other; but also...
. Missiles have since ended up in the Croatian navy.