The “Komar” missile launcher now also fitted with “Ataka” missiles

Ratep JSC, part of the “Almaz-Antey” Aerospace Defense Concern, showcased a new version of the “Komar” turret missile launcher at the International Maritime Defence Show (IMDS) “Fleet-2024”

The new version of the launcher, designated 3M47-03E, can now simultaneously accommodate standard 9M342 “Igla-S” surface-to-air guided missiles(SAM), as well as 9M120-1 “Ataka” antitank guided missiles. The “Ataka” can be equipped with various types of warheads, including tandem shaped-charge, high-explosive (HE) and high-explosive fragmentation.

The new version of the turret allows to expand the capabilities of ships during naval and landing operations. It can simultaneously be used to provide air defense and destroy surface and coastal targets. The remotely controlled turret is linked to the ship sensors ensuring air and surface surveillance and target designation; once pointed towards the target its optronic gimbal provides automatic or manual target tracking and performs single missile launches.

The 9M342 “Igla-S” missile has an operational range from 0.5 to 6 km and an operational altitude from 5 to 3,500 metres, while the 9M120-1 “Ataka” missile can hit a target from 1 to 6 km in distance and from 0 up to 2 km in altitude.

The new 3M47-03E remotely controlled turret can therefore simultaneously provide defense of a surface ship from unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), air-launched weapons and unmanned surface vehicles (USVs).

The fact that the modernized “Komar” turret was exhibited in Kronshtadt indicates that the command of the Russian Navy is searching for new close-range means of defense of surface ships, capable of effectively countering attacking UAVs and USVs. The modernized “Komar” launcher might be soon installed on Russian Navy surface ships as a close-in weapon system (CIWS).

Photo by N. Morris