RBS15

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RBS 15 Mk2
RBS 15 Mk2
Basic data
Function	fire and forget anti-ship and land attack
Manufacturer	Saab Bofors Dynamics
Entered service
General characteristics
Engine	turbojet
Launch mass	800 kg
Length	4.33 m
Diameter	50 cm
Wingspan	1.4 m
Speed	subsonic
Range	200 km
Flying altitude	sea skimming
Warhead	200 kg HE blast and pre-fragmented
Guidance	inertial, GPS, active radar (J band)
Fuzes	impact or proximity
Launch platform	naval ships, aircraft, land-based launchers

The RBS 15 (Robotsystem 15) is a surface-to-surface and air-to-surface anti-ship missile with the ability to attack land targets as well, developed by the Swedish company Saab Bofors Dynamics. The project started in the late 1970s under the name KSA and the Rb 15 became operational with the Swedish Navy in 1985. The Swedish Air Force received their missiles a couple of years later.

The missile will also be produced by Bodenseewerk Gerätetechnik 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 car maker Sisu produces missile launch cars for RBS15.

The RBS 15 exists in several generations: Mk1, Mk2 and Mk3, all of which have different capabilities. The Mk1 is no longer in production. Mk2 is qualified to be launched from a number of different platforms such as land-based launchers and aircraft. The Mk3, however, is not yet designed to be launched from platforms other than naval ships. The difference between Mk2 and Mk3 is easy to observe, the Mk2 is rotated at an angle of 45 degrees at launch (as seen on the picture), while the Mk3 is not. The main difference between the Mk3 and earlier versions is the ability to attack land targets with the help of its GPS/INS guidance.

Germany has ordered the RBS 15 MK4 in advance, which will be a further development of the MK3 with increased range and a dual seeker, as a future addition to their Braunschweig class corvettes.

In a order worth €110 million, Poland has decided to buy the RBS 15 Mk3. It will equip their ORKAN-class corvettes, which are to be upgraded by Thales Naval Netherlands.