The 3M14 Biryuza, known in NATO terminology as SS-N-30A Sagaris, is a sea-launched naval land-attack cruise missile (LACM) developed by NPO Novator. Part of the Kalibr missile family, it is designed for precision strikes against strategic land-based targets, offering long-range capability, advanced guidance, and stealthy flight. The missile entered service in 2015 and is deployed on a wide variety of platforms, including submarines, surface ships, and containerized launch systems.
Description and Development
The 3M14 Biryuza builds on the legacy of Soviet-era cruise missiles and shares design characteristics with the export 3M-14E “Club” missile. Its compact, aerodynamic design allows launch from:
- NATO-standard 533 mm torpedo tubes
- Vertical launch systems (VLS)
- Containerized platforms (Club-K system)
Its operational concept emphasizes low-altitude flight, high maneuverability, and advanced guidance to evade detection and defeat sophisticated air defense systems. The missile is primarily intended to strike command centers, airfields, industrial facilities, and other strategic infrastructure. Export versions like the 3M-14E are restricted to a 300 km range under MTCR guidelines.
The missile first saw operational use during the Syrian Civil War in 2015, demonstrating the ability to strike targets over 1,500 km from naval platforms. Exported to countries including India, China, Iran, Algeria, and Vietnam, it has become a versatile tool for strategic precision strike operations.
Variants
| Variant | Launch Platform | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3M14 | Submarine / Surface | 1,500–2,500 km | Standard Russian Navy land-attack variant |
| 3M-14E | Submarine / Surface | 300 km | Export version (MTCR-limited) |
| 3M-14TE | Vertical / inclined launch | 300 km | Includes transport-launch cup for flexible deployment |
| Kalibr-PLE | Submarine | 1,500–2,500 km | Club-S system |
| Kalibr-NKE | Surface ship | 1,500–2,500 km | Club-N system |
| Kalibr-M | Mobile / containerized | 1,500–2,500 km | Club-M / Club-K system |
| 3M14E Cluster | Submarine / Surface | 300 km | Cluster warhead variant for area targets |
Design and Propulsion
- Length: 6.2 m
- Diameter: 0.53 m
- Wingspan: 3.3 m
- Launch weight: ~1,770 kg
- Construction: Lightweight aluminum alloys and composites
Propulsion:
- Launch: Solid-fuel booster
- Cruise: TRDD-50B dual-circuit turbojet
- Speed: Subsonic (0.8–0.9 Mach)
- Range: 1,500–2,500 km (domestic); 300 km (export)
The missile’s low-altitude terrain-following flight minimizes detection, with height maintained at 50–150 meters above land and 20 meters near the target.
Guidance and Targeting
- AB-40E inertial navigation system (INS)
- GLONASS / GPS satellite navigation
- RVE-B radio altimeter for terrain-following flight
- ARGS-14E active radar homing in terminal phase
- Pre-programmed multi-waypoint route to avoid air defenses
- Circular Error Probable (CEP): 3–5 m
Warhead
The 3M14 Biryuza is equipped with a 450 kg warhead, configurable for:
- High-explosive
- Airburst or ground detonation
- Cluster warheads with submunitions for extended-area targets
- Nuclear-capable (domestic variants)
Combat Use
The missile has been deployed successfully in multiple conflicts, including Syria and Ukraine, demonstrating precision-strike capability from submarines, surface ships, and containerized systems. It is designed to target high-value infrastructure, command centers, and strategic assets, enhancing Russia’s naval and expeditionary strike capability.
Specifications
| Parameter | 3M14 Biryuza |
|---|---|
| Type | Naval Land-Attack Cruise Missile (LACM) |
| Operators | Russia, India, China, Iran, Algeria, Vietnam |
| Warhead | 450 kg HE, cluster, or nuclear-capable |
| Speed | Subsonic, 0.8–0.9 Mach |
| Range | 1,500–2,500 km (domestic), 300 km (export 3M-14E) |
| Guidance | AB-40E INS, GLONASS/GPS, RVE-B radio altimeter, ARGS-14E active radar homing, TERCOM |
| Accuracy | CEP 3–5 m |
| Launch Platforms | Submarine, surface ship, containerized systems (Club-K) |
| Dimensions | Length 6.2 m, Diameter 0.53 m, Wingspan 3.3 m |
The 3M14 Biryuza solidifies the Kalibr family’s role in long-range precision strike operations, combining stealthy flight, advanced guidance, and high payload lethality for modern naval warfare.
