Russia to deploy Bastion coastal missile systems at Kurils

02.03.2011 Russia will deploy mobile coastal missile system Bastion armed with supersonic antiship cruise missiles Yakhont at Kuril Islands, reports Interfax referring to Russia's General Staff. The systems will be used for protection of Kurils' seashore. Exact amount of Bastion systems planned to be stationed at Kurils has not been specified.

Bastion missile system is used for protection of 600-km long seashore. The system can be used for destruction of surface ships and radiocontrast targets in conditions of intense fire and electronic countermeasures. Maximum combat load is 24 missiles. Missile launches can be performed with 2.5-second intervals.

One system includes missiles in transport/launch containers, launcher vehicles, combat control truck, transporter loader, combat alert support vehicles, and helicopter-based targeting system. Deployment from marching position takes about five minutes.

Yakhont cruise missiles are capable to accelerate up to 750 mps and destroy targets at the range up to 300 km. The missiles have over-the-horizon firing range and are self-guided.