The 3M14 Biryuza is a Russian sea-launched naval attack cruise missile (LACM) developed by NPO Novator, a leading defense enterprise in Russia. Known by its NATO designation SS-N-30A, this missile is a key component of the Kalibr missile family, designed to deliver precision strikes against ground-based strategic targets. Introduced into service in 2015, the 3M14 has an operational range of 1,500 to 2,500 kilometers in domestic variants and is deployed across multiple launch platforms, including submarines and surface ships.
Country users: Russia, India, China, Algeria, Vietnam, Iran
Technical Data
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Design
The 3M14 Biryuza features a compact and aerodynamic cylindrical design, measuring 6.2 meters in length and compatible with vertical launch systems, inclined deck launchers, and 533 mm torpedo tubes. Constructed with lightweight materials such as aluminum alloys and composites, the missile is optimized for range and stealth. Variants such as the 3M-14E include a solid-fuel launch booster with lattice stabilizers in the tail section for stable deployment from underwater or surface platforms.
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Warhead
The 3M14 Biryuza missile is armed with a 450-kilogram warhead capable of delivering devastating damage to strategic targets. Depending on mission requirements, the warhead is typically high-explosive and configured for airburst or ground detonation. A cluster warhead variant is also available, equipped with fragmentation, high-explosive, or cumulative submunitions to engage area or extended targets.
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Propulsion
The 3M14 is powered by a dual-stage propulsion system. A solid-fuel booster initiates the missile's launch, while a TRDD-50B dual-circuit turbojet engine sustains flight. The missile cruises at subsonic speeds of 0.8–0.9 Mach and has an operational range of 1,500 to 2,500 kilometers in domestic variants. Export models, such as the 3M-14E, are limited to 300 kilometers due to MTCR restrictions. This range and speed enable the missile to strike distant targets while evading interception.
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Guidance Systems
The 3M14 Biryuza missile employs a highly advanced combined guidance system for autonomous precision targeting. Its onboard control system is built around the AB-40E autonomous inertial navigation system, developed by the State Research Institute of Instrument Making. For enhanced accuracy, the missile includes a receiver for satellite navigation systems (GLONASS or GPS) and an RVE-B radio altimeter developed by UPKB Detal.
The radio altimeter allows terrain-following flight by maintaining precise altitude: no more than 20 meters above sea level and 50 to 150 meters above land, dropping to 20 meters near the target. The missile follows a pre-programmed route based on reconnaissance data, with the ability to bypass heavily defended areas by adjusting its path at up to 15 waypoints. In its terminal phase, the missile uses an ARGS-14E active radar homing head for precise target acquisition, even against low-visibility and small-sized targets. This head features a ±45° azimuth viewing angle and a range of up to 20 kilometers.
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Combat Use
The 3M14 Biryuza is launched from a wide variety of platforms, including submarines, surface ships, and containerized systems. It can be deployed via vertical launch systems or 533 mm torpedo tubes, ensuring flexibility across multiple operational environments. Designed to strike critical infrastructure and other high-value targets, the missile has proven effective in modern conflicts, such as in Syria and Ukraine.
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