Swedish Cruise Missiles Arrive In Ukraine Amid Escalating Tensions With Russia

The Swedish RBS 15 Anti-Ship Missiles Surface in Ukraine: A New Chapter in the Ongoing Conflict

Footage recently surfaced on social media platforms showing the launch of a Swedish-built RBS 15 anti-ship cruise missile from a truck-mounted launcher targeting Russian installations. This marks the first public appearance of the Swedish long-range munition in Ukraine, leaving many questions unanswered about its origins, deployment, and implications for the ongoing conflict.

The Ukrainian Navy has confirmed that they have been operating the RBS 15, with images and videos showing the missile’s launch from a truck-mounted launcher. The footage suggests that the missile was used to target Russian installations in the Black Sea region, specifically the Sivash oil platform.

Located off the Ukrainian coastline in the Black Sea, the Sivash oil platform has been under Russian control since 2014. In recent months, there have been reports of increased Russian military activity in the area, including the deployment of radars and intelligence-gathering equipment. The strikes on the Sivash platform are believed to be a response to this buildup.

The use of RBS 15 missiles in Ukraine marks a significant escalation in the conflict, as it demonstrates that Ukraine’s military has access to advanced long-range systems capable of targeting high-value targets. The implications of this development are far-reaching, with potential consequences for regional stability and global security.

RBS 15 origins unclear

The delivery of RBS 15 missiles to Ukraine is shrouded in mystery. It is believed that they were supplied by one or more countries operating the missile, including Finland, Sweden, Germany, Croatia, and Poland. These countries have all operated the RBS 15 in some form, with Finland and Croatia using truck-mounted launchers.

The Finnish-built Sisu truck chassis has been identified as a likely candidate for the launcher used to deploy the missiles. The similarity between the cab shape and silhouette of the Finnish truck and the Swedish-made RBS 15 launcher is striking, although the footage is too low quality to provide definitive confirmation.

About the RBS 15

The RBS 15 series anti-ship cruise missile was introduced into Swedish service in the late 1980s. Designed by Saab and Diehl Defense, it was initially designed to augment Swedish Coastal defense efforts and was based on aircraft and ships. The Mk I and Mk II share the lowest range, standing at just ~70km.

Subsequent upgrades

The variant rumored to have been used is the RBS 15 Mk III or Mk IV, both of which introduced several upgrades. The Mk III standard missiles have an extended range of 200+km allowed largely through fueling improvements. MK IIIs have been in production since 2004, with users including the Polish Navy, German Navy, and Swedish Navy.

Designated “Gungnir”, the latest iteration of the RBS 15 is the Mk IV, which was previously reported by Naval News as slated to replace Sweden’s remaining Mk IIs. RBS 15 Mk IVs can be fired from ships, trucks, and aircraft. Main upgrades for the Mk IV include a ~50% increase in range to over 300 km, and upgraded anti-jamming GPS guidance.

Russian military activity

The strikes on the Sivash platform are believed to be a response to increased Russian military activity in the Black Sea region. In recent months, there have been reports of Russian warships and submarines operating in the area, including the deployment of advanced missile systems.

Russian Navy presence has been a major point of contention between Russia and Ukraine, with both sides accusing each other of aggressive behavior. The conflict has resulted in numerous clashes between Ukrainian naval vessels and Russian warships, resulting in damage to both sides.

Escalation and implications

The use of RBS 15 missiles in Ukraine marks a significant escalation in the conflict, as it demonstrates that Ukraine’s military has access to advanced long-range systems capable of targeting high-value targets. The implications of this development are far-reaching, with potential consequences for regional stability and global security.

Finland, Sweden, Germany, Croatia, and Poland’s involvement raises questions about their supply chain and logistics, as well as their relationships with Ukraine’s military. The use of the RBS 15 also highlights the complexity and unpredictability of modern conflicts, where friendly and enemy forces often blur.

In conclusion, the appearance of Swedish RBS 15 anti-ship missiles in Ukraine marks a new chapter in the ongoing conflict. As the situation unfolds, it is essential to monitor developments closely and consider potential implications for regional stability and global security.

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