Euronaval-2010: container missile system Club-K attracts great interest

28.10.2010 Firstly demonstrated in Europe, Russian multipurpose missile system Club-K has already excited the curiosity of some European and Asian countries, said Rostislav Atkov, director for foreign economic activity of Morinformsistema-Agat design bureau.

Answering the question why Club-K had been shown first in Asia, Atkov explained "that was a matter of chronology. Exhibition in Qatar was prior to Euronaval. This by no means is related to promotion of Club-K. Especially if one takes into account that Asian exhibitions are working while European ones are image-oriented".

Another question was whether Club-K system has attracted interest after its debut in Qatar. Atkov briefly said yes. He refused to name certain countries because "we're not authorized to hold negotiations, Rosoboronexport does this. All I can say is that we have a number of commercial requests". The wind is from "Europe and Southeast Asia".

Atkov also reported that "most of surface ships and submarines being built by Russia for India, China, Algeria, and Vietnam are equipped with Club systems". The latter country will also purchase six Club-armed submarines which will be built soon in Russia.

Historically, Club-N and Club-S missile systems (for surface ships and submarines respectively) were designed by Novator Design Bureau, reminded Rostislav Atkov. "Club-M (coastal), Club-U (shipborne), and Club-K (container) are our developments", he said. "We were co-designers of the first two versions as well, but Novator was the major one. Of course, we work together. There was a kind of separation, but we're not competitors. It is a cooperation agreement".

The Agat representative affirmed that the bureau also co-operates with defense ministry. "We have no problems, but those are absolutely different systems", he said.

Main advantage of Club-K missile system is that external appearance of launching module looks like standard shipping container which can be carried by containerships, automotive trucks, and railway platforms. The system is able to launch three types of cruise missiles. Their flight range varies from 12.5 to 300 km, terminal altitude is 5-10 meters, warhead weight is 200-450 kg. Launching module contains four cruise missiles which are elevated prior to launch.

Answering the question whether Club missiles fall under known restrictions for missile arms deliveries, Atkov said that "currently effective treaties do not impose strict constraints on such deliveries".

"There's a term of 1st class missiles; their range is over 500 km and throw-weight is over 300 kg. Normally, such missiles can not be sold. However, the U.S. does not stay within those limits and exports, say, cruise missiles Tomahawk with flight range over 1,000 km and bigger throw-weight", explained Atkov. "Russia adheres to another position. We export only 2nd class missiles, i.e. with flight range less than 500 km and throw-weight below 300 kg. That is our country's posture".

"Nonetheless, we can easily sell Club systems with range bigger than 300 km. Technically, it is possible to increase flight range of our missiles staying within limits of 2nd class", outlined Atkov.