The Swedish defense company Saab has released a promotional video showcasing the RBS-15 missile, which, much like the Ukrainian Neptune, has evolved from a purely anti-ship weapon into a versatile system designed to engage a wide range of targets.
Although this capability is not new, as the RBS-15 Mk4 Gungnir was ordered by Sweden's Ministry of Defence back in 2017 as an upgrade to a missile in service since 1984, the new video clearly demonstrates the types of adversaries the missile is intended to counter.
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The video features two representative target sets engaged by a total of six RBS-15 missiles. Two are launched from a Visby-class corvette, two from a notional ground-based launcher, and two from a JAS 39 Gripen fighter.
These strikes target two missile destroyers as well as components of an air defense system. Notably, a pair of Gripen fighters is shown conducting a dedicated strike against an air defense asset.
The first target depicted, without ambiguity, is the russian 91N6 surveillance radar. Alongside it, one of the launchers belonging to a russian surface-to-air missile system is also destroyed. The 91N6 is a three-coordinate radar that forms part of the S-400 system and provides 360-degree coverage, with a claimed detection range of up to 600 km.
When it comes to naval targets, Saab did not choose russian warships, even though that might appear logical from a Swedish perspective. Instead, the video depicts Chinese Type 052D missile destroyers.
Saab even specifies not a generic hull number, but an actual vessel: pennant number 172, assigned to the Type 052D Kunming destroyer, the lead ship of its class.
The video also recreates the destroyer's self-defense sequence against an anti-ship missile attack. This includes the deployment of radar countermeasures, followed by unsuccessful attempts by the Type 730 close-in weapon system to intercept the incoming missiles.
Ultimately, all four missiles hit the Chinese destroyers. Each of these ships has a displacement of approximately 7,500 tons and is armed with 64 universal vertical launch system cells capable of firing both surface-to-air and cruise missiles.
Saab's decision not to depict russian naval targets is entirely understandable. The russian Navy does not operate missile destroyers. The only comparable concept is the now largely forgotten Project 23560 Lider, which is rarely mentioned today.
The video also highlights the simplicity of programming the RBS-15, demonstrating software with a clear and intuitive user interface.
It is also worth recalling that the RBS-15 Mk4 has a stated engagement range of over 300 km, carries a 200 kg warhead, and has a total missile weight of 650 kg, or 810 kg with boosters. The missile is equipped with an active radar seeker, an inertial navigation system, and jam-resistant satellite navigation.
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