Russia deploys three combat-ready Kalibr carriers in Black Sea.

According to information published by Ukrinform on June 13, 2023, Russia currently has eight combat-ready ships stationed in the Black Sea, including three carriers equipped with Kalibr cruise missiles, carrying a total of 18 Kalibr cruise missiles.
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The Admiral Grigorovich-class frigates can launch a Kalibr cruise missile. (Picture source: Vitaly Kuzmin)

Russia views the Kalibr-type cruise missiles as crucial for conducting extensive attacks deep inside Ukrainian territory to disrupt Ukrainian military efforts.

These missiles are designed to penetrate stationary ground targets' air defenses and operate autonomously along predetermined routes. They can adjust their course mid-flight using satellite communication. Unlike ballistic missiles, cruise missiles are known for their accuracy.

The 3M-54 Kalibr missile is a family of Russian cruise missiles that can be launched from ships, submarines, containers, airplanes, or transport erector launchers. It has variants designed for anti-ship, anti-submarine, and land attack purposes.

Depending on the variant, the Kalibr missile varies in mass and length, ranging from 1,300 kg to 2,300 kg and from 6.2 m to 8.9 m, respectively. It has a diameter of 0.533 m and can carry a warhead weighing between 400-500 kg of high explosive or thermonuclear material. The missile utilizes a multi-stage solid-fuel rocket engine, with some versions incorporating a turbojet engine or a solid-fuel rocket.

The operational range of the Kalibr missile differs based on the variant. The shortest range is 50 km for the 91RE1 version, while the longest range, currently under development in the Kalibr-M variant, is 4,500 km.

During flight, the missile can reach a maximum altitude of 1,000 m and maintain a flight altitude of 50-150 m AGL (above ground level) or 20 m over water. Its maximum speed ranges from 0.8 to 3.0 Mach, depending on the specific variant.