The fleet of the United States and its allies is currently vastly superior to that of the Russian Federation (RF). It is unrealistic to compete with them in the number of ships and the rate of their commissioning in the near future. Thus, there is a need for an asymmetric response.
Since the days of the USSR, asymmetric tactics have been based on the use of anti-ship missiles (ASM) launched from air, submarine and surface carriers.
Surface groupings of ships of NATO countries are built around aircraft carrier groups. Accordingly, the area of responsibility of such a group is controlled at a considerable distance by means of aviation reconnaissance equipment - long-range radar detection aircraft (AWACS) and anti-submarine aircraft and helicopters (PLO).
The detection range of aircraft and ships by AWACS aircraft exceeds 500 km, cruise missiles - over 250 km. This makes it possible to destroy both carriers and the anti-ship missiles themselves with a range of up to 500 km by means of carrier-based aviation and air defense of surface ships. Due to the use of missiles with an active radar homing head (ARGSN) and external target designation from AWACS aircraft, it is possible to defeat anti-ship missiles throughout the flight.
For anti-ship missiles with a range of over 500 km, such as the "Dagger" missile, there is a problem of issuing sufficiently accurate coordinates for target designation. According to open information, Russia currently does not have a reconnaissance satellite constellation capable of efficiently tracking aircraft carrier formations. In addition, in the event of a global conflict, satellites can be destroyed by anti-satellite weapons. The use of reconnaissance aircraft to accurately determine the coordinates of the AUG does not guarantee that they will not be detected or destroyed earlier.
The anti-submarine lines of the aircraft carrier formation exceed 400 km, but they are not insurmountable, and do not guarantee one hundred percent detection of submarines. This is confirmed by cases when Soviet submarines surfaced in the immediate vicinity of the AUG.
In general, submarines have a significantly higher combat resistance compared to surface ships, however, the problem of target designation for submarine anti-ship missiles is also relevant, as is the actual destruction of anti-ship missiles by missiles with ARGSN and external target designation.
Based on the foregoing, in order to counter large formations of surface ships, including aircraft carrier strike groups, I propose to implement an asymmetric concept at a new level, including new types of weapons and tactics of its use
The concept should be based on a new combat unit, which in terms of functionality combines the capabilities of a submarine and a destroyer / cruiser. The proposed provisional name is the Nuclear Multipurpose Submarine Cruiser (AMFPK).
To reduce the cost as much as possible and increase the speed of creation, I propose to implement the AMPPK on the basis of the Project 955A Borey strategic missile submarine cruiser (SSBN). To unify as much as possible the elements of the hull, the power plant, the hydroacoustic complex, and life support systems.
The main differences between AMFPK:
1. Replacing ballistic missile silos with universal vertical launchers for cruise and anti-aircraft missiles.
2. Installation of a radar with an active phased antenna array (AFAR) on a lifting mast, retractable underwater, allowing the use of anti-aircraft guided missiles (SAM) of the S-350 / S-400 / S-500 complexes
3. Installation of an optical location station, including day, night and thermal imaging channels.
4. Installation of powerful sources of interference in the radar range, based on modern solutions for the Russian armed forces.
5. Installation of a combat information system (BIUS), which ensures the use of installed weapons.
The installation of a retractable mast with an AFAR radar will most likely require an increase in the size of the cabin. When designing it, it is necessary to implement a set of measures to reduce the signature in the radar wavelength range.
Based on the weight and size characteristics of the antenna arrays of the Sampson radar and the S1850M radar of the Dering-class British destroyers, the mass of the AFAR-equipped radar should not exceed ten tons. The rise of the AFAR should be carried out to a height of ten to twenty meters. This task does not seem unsolvable, modern truck cranes with a telescopic boom are capable of lifting a load weighing about ten tons to a height of over thirty meters.
During the development process, it is possible to reduce the mass of the APAR. For example, the planar AFAR developed by JSC NIIPP have significant advantages in terms of weight and size compared to other solutions. The weight and thickness of the AFAR web is significantly reduced. This allows them to be used for a new class of antenna systems - conformal antenna arrays, i.e. repeating the shape of the object.
If, nevertheless, there are structural difficulties with the removal of the AFAR to the specified height, then it can be placed below, or generally on the sides of the existing deckhouse (conformal antennas), which will reduce the possibility of hitting low-flying targets and, accordingly, reduce the potential of AMPPK to solve some types of problems … It is possible that changes in the hull of the submarine, including the installation of large retractable structures, will require a decrease in the maximum immersion depth of AMFPK.
The proposed AMFPC ammunition load should include:
- anti-ship missiles "Onyx", "Caliber", "Zircon";
- SAM from the S-350 / S-400 / S-500 complexes in the "sea" version;
- long-range cruise missiles (CR) of the "Caliber" type for use against ground targets, possibly ballistic missiles based on missiles of the operational-tactical missile complex (OTRK) "Iskander", if such missiles are developed / adapted for the fleet;
- non-returnable unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), the purpose of which will be discussed below.
The existing armament used from torpedo tubes is preserved.
Non-recoverable UAVs can presumably be developed on the basis of the existing subsonic missiles "Caliber". Instead of the warhead, reconnaissance means are installed - radar, data transmission line and jamming means. Its purpose is to search for the exact coordinates of the AUG for the issuance of target designation of the anti-ship missiles. After launch, the UAV gains maximum altitude, performing a circular scan of the water surface. After detecting the AUG, the UAV flies in its direction, specifying the coordinates of the ships of the order and at the same time performing jamming.
Drawing an analogy with the Ohio-class submarines, adapted for the use of the Tomahawk cruise missiles, the AMFPC based on the Borei 955A SSBN should accommodate about a hundred universal launch cells.
The Ohio-class SSBN holds 24 ballistic missiles, the Ohio-class SSGN holds 154 Tomahawk cruise missiles. Accordingly, if the SSBN 955A "Borey" accommodates 16 ballistic missiles, then 154/24 x 16 = 102 UVPU.
Unfortunately, at the moment in the Russian fleet there is no truly universal vertical launcher, into which both cruise and anti-aircraft missiles can be loaded, or I have no information on such an installation. If this task is not solved, then this will significantly reduce the flexibility of forming the AMFPC ammunition load, since at the construction stage a fixed ratio of cells for cruise and anti-aircraft missiles will be determined.
In the absence of a UVPU for all types of weapons planned for use, I propose to implement the versatility of the weapons compartment as follows.
Launch cells KR, anti-ship missiles and anti-aircraft missiles are mounted in specialized weapons containers containing vertical launch units (UWP), respectively, for the anti-ship missiles / anti-ship missiles or anti-aircraft missiles. Weapon containers, in turn, are placed in the internal universal weapons compartment of the AMPPK. Thus, by changing the composition of the containers, you can change the type of AMPPK ammunition. The replacement of the ammunition after it has been used up can be carried out both by replacing the missiles in the UVP, and by replacing the UVP (containers) themselves and their further reloading outside the AMPPK. The optimal sizes of universal weapons containers should be determined at the design stage.
The possibility of launching all types of missile weapons (SAM) from under water can significantly increase the survival rate of AMPPK. If the possibility of equipping AMFPK with a retractable mast can be constructively realizable, launching a missile defense system from a depth of at least a few meters will allow AMFPK not to float completely, but to raise only the mast with a radar and OLS to the surface.
Taking the ratio as 52 cruise missile cells and 50 anti-aircraft missile cells, the following ammunition load can be formed:
- 10 cruise missiles of the "Caliber to destroy ground targets" type;
- 40 anti-ship missiles such as "Onyx", "Caliber", "Zircon";
- 30 long-range missiles based on the S-400 / S-500 missile defense systems;
- 80 missiles small / medium (4 per cell) based on missiles of the S-350 / S-400 / S-500 complexes;
- 2 non-returnable reconnaissance UAVs based on existing cruise missiles.
The composition of the ammunition is adjusted depending on the tasks solved by the AMPPK. The range of weapons used from torpedo tubes is generally preserved, but can also be adjusted according to missions.
Separately, it is necessary to consider the use of laser weapons at AMPPK. Despite the skeptical attitude of many towards laser weapons, one cannot fail to note significant progress in this direction. Obtaining compact installations based on fiber-optic and solid-state lasers with a power of up to one hundred kilowatts, placed on cars, suggests the possibility of creating a similar laser complex of a megawatt class, the weight and size characteristics of which will make it possible to place it on a submarine. The presence of a nuclear reactor as an energy source will provide the laser with the necessary power supply.
The possibility of creating such a laser weapon in Russia remains questionable, since there are no reliable tests on lasers of such power. The characteristics of the Peresvet laser complex are classified, its power and purpose are unknown. Technological laser systems based on CO2 lasers created in Russia have a power of about 10-20 kilowatts. The IRE-Polyus company, which produces high-power fiber-optic lasers, is formally part of the IPG Phtonix company, registered in the United States, and its products are unlikely to be used for military purposes.
The reason why the installation of laser weapons is generally considered at AMFPK is a combination of weapons with unlimited ammunition (in the presence of a nuclear reactor) and the possibility of destroying enemy aircraft without unmasking in the form of a launching anti-aircraft missile. The primary targets of the laser complex are AWACS aircraft of the Grumman E-2 "Hawkeye" type, PLO aircraft of the Boeing P-8 "Poseidon" type and long-range UAVs MC-4C "Triton".
Within the framework of the Boeing YAL-1 program of the United States, the possibility of hitting a launching ballistic missile with a megawatt laser at a distance of up to 500 km was considered. Despite the closure of the program, certain results were obtained on the defeat of training ballistic targets. For AMPPK, a significantly shorter range of destruction is suitable, which can be of the order of one hundred to two hundred kilometers, which makes it possible to count on a sufficiently high efficiency of the complex in good weather conditions.
In the case of a package of fiber optic lasers, the possibility of providing separate targeting of the packages may be considered. When installing five packages of 200 kilowatts, AMFPK will be able to simultaneously hit five targets at the same time. As such, subsonic anti-ship missiles, low-flying UAVs, unarmored helicopters, motor boats and boats can be considered. When it is necessary to attack a large remote target, packets are combined into one channel / focused on one target.
In the further description of the scenarios for the use of AMPPK, the use of laser weapons is not disclosed. In general, it is equivalent to the use of missiles, adjusted for the specifics of the use of this type of weapon.
Of course, the development and installation of a laser complex should be considered both from the point of view of the possibility of implementation at the existing technological level, and in relation to the cost / efficiency criterion, taking into account the existing developments in Russia and abroad.
The main scenarios for the use of AMPPK:
- destruction of aircraft carrier strike groups and ship formations;
- anti-missile defense (ABM) functions - destruction of launching ballistic missiles in the initial section of the trajectory in the areas of SSBN patrolling of a potential enemy;
- destruction of anti-submarine aircraft, cover for SSBNs;
- delivering massive strikes with cruise missiles with conventional or nuclear warheads on the territory of a potential enemy;
- destruction of transport aircraft on flight routes, interruption of supply lines;
- destruction of artificial earth satellites along the optimal trajectory (if such a possibility is realized by missiles of the S 500 complex);
- destruction of cruise missiles and UAVs launched on the territory of Russia's allies in regional conflicts.
Let's consider in more detail the scenarios for using AMPPK.
Destruction of carrier strike groups.
The strike group consists of two AMPPK and two multipurpose nuclear submarines (MCSAPL) of the Yasen type (project 885 / 885M). The Yasen-class SSNS provide cover for the AMPPK from enemy submarines and take part in striking the anti-ship missiles against the AUG.
The preliminary location of the AUG is determined by radiation from AWACS aircraft or by receiving data from external sources of reconnaissance. Scanning is carried out by passive antennas without unmasking submarines. In case of detection of AWACS aircraft, the group diverges, covering the AUG along a large radius. The goal is to ensure the reach of the missile defense system to the AWACS aircraft carrying out patrols and to approach the AUG unnoticed at the launch range of the anti-ship missiles.
Depending on the distance to the AWACS aircraft and meteorological conditions, a partial ascent, the extension of the mast from the radar and the OLS and the aiming of the missile defense system at the radio signal source, according to the OLS or AFAR, operating in LPI mode ("low signal interception capability") is carried out. At the same time, PLO aircraft and helicopters, F / A-18E, F-35 combat aircraft in the air are detected.
After capturing all available targets for tracking, AMPPK ascends and launches missiles at all enemy aircraft within reach. The flight speed of the missile defense system is from 1000 m / s to 2500 m / s. Based on this, the time of hitting targets will be from two to five minutes from the launch of the missile defense system.
At the same time, a non-returnable UAV is launched. After launch, the UAV gains maximum altitude, performing a circular scan of the water surface. After detecting the AUG, the UAV flies in its direction, specifying the coordinates of the ships of the order and at the same time performing jamming.
Immediately after receiving the updated target designation, anti-ship missiles are launched from all submarines of the strike group. Based on the above ammunition load of AMFPK, the total salvo can be up to 120 anti-ship missiles (40 anti-ship missiles for AMFPK and 30 each for Yasen-class SSNs).
Given that enemy aircraft will be destroyed or will actively evade missiles, the issuance of external target designation or the defeat of anti-ship missiles by aircraft is unlikely. Accordingly, the capabilities of the AUG to resist a massive attack of low-flying targets will be significantly reduced.
The average time spent on the surface after surfacing should not exceed 10-15 minutes. Then, going under water and hiding from the enemy forces is carried out. In case of detection of actions of enemy anti-submarine aviation, active defense can be carried out - the surfacing and destruction of enemy aircraft.
A detailed study of the tactics of use, taking into account the real characteristics of the weapons being developed, can make changes to the specified tactics. The main innovation here is the ability of AMPPK to actively counter enemy aircraft, which is the main trump card of the AUG.
Also, AMFPK, unlike a surface ship, is practically invulnerable to anti-ship missiles, tk. its residence time on the surface is short. This will limit the range of weapons used against AMPPK by torpedoes and depth charges. Taking into account that AMPPK has serious air defense capabilities, this will be a difficult task for enemy aircraft.
An alternative option for using AMPPK against the AUG is to clear the sky for missile bombers before launching an anti-ship missile system. This ensures a significant decrease in the likelihood of hitting anti-ship missile carriers and the exclusion of over-the-horizon firing at low-flying anti-ship missiles.
Implementation of antimissile defense (ABM)
The basis of the strategic nuclear forces of the NATO countries is the naval component - nuclear submarines with ballistic missiles (SSBNs).
The share of US nuclear warheads deployed on SSBNs is over 50% of the entire nuclear arsenal (about 800 - 1100 warheads), Great Britain - 100% of the nuclear arsenal (about 160 warheads on four SSBNs), France 100% of strategic nuclear warheads (about 300 warheads on four SSBNs)).
Destruction of enemy SSBNs is one of the priority tasks in the event of a global conflict. However, the task of destroying SSBNs is complicated by the concealment of the SSBN patrol areas by the enemy, the difficulty of determining its exact location and the presence of combat guards.
If there is information about the approximate location of the enemy's SSBN in the world's oceans, AMPPK can be on duty in this area along with hunting submarines. In the event of the outbreak of a global conflict, the hunter-boat is entrusted with the task of destroying the enemy's SSBNs. If this task is not completed, or the SSBN has started launching ballistic missiles before destruction, AMPPK is tasked with intercepting the launching ballistic missiles at the initial stage of the trajectory.
The possibility of solving this problem depends primarily on the speed characteristics and range of application of promising missiles from the S-500 complex, designed for anti-missile defense and destruction of artificial earth satellites. If these capabilities are provided by missiles from the S-500, then AMPPK can implement a "blow in the back of the head" to the strategic nuclear forces of NATO countries.
The destruction of a launching ballistic missile at the initial stage of the trajectory has the following advantages:
1. The launching rocket cannot maneuver and has maximum visibility in the radar and thermal range.
2. The defeat of one missile allows you to destroy several warheads at once, each of which can destroy hundreds of thousands, or even millions of people.
3. To destroy a ballistic missile in the initial section of the trajectory, it is not required to know the exact location of the enemy's SSBN, it is enough to be within the range of the anti-missile.
Combined with the possibility of destroying the carriers themselves, primarily those in service at the docks (by long-range cruise missiles), one can expect a noticeable decrease in the effectiveness of the use of US nuclear weapons. Under certain conditions, the complete destruction of the strategic nuclear forces of Great Britain or France is possible. This can be considered an asymmetric response to the deployment of missile defense systems near the borders of the Russian Federation.
Destruction of anti-submarine aircraft, cover for SSBNs
As part of this task, AMFPK provides support for its own SSBNs. By ensuring the possibility of effectively destroying enemy anti-submarine aircraft and surface ships, the stability of the underwater component of the strategic nuclear forces can be significantly increased. The destruction of destroyers and cruisers with guided missile weapons in the launch zone of strategic ballistic missiles will prevent their defeat at the initial stage of the trajectory by means of shipboard missile defense.
Delivering massive strikes with cruise missiles
AMFPK operates similarly to the Ohio-class SSGN. Most of the ammunition consists of long-range cruise missiles, only a small number of anti-aircraft missiles and anti-ship missiles for AMPPK self-defense remain. Not the most rational task for these ships, but in some cases it may be required. The advantage of AMPPK in this case will be the ability to bring the launch lines of the KR closer to the enemy's shores due to the ability to actively counter anti-submarine aviation.
Destruction of transport aircraft on flight routes, interruption of supply lines by sea
A task similar to that solved by the "Wolf Packs" of German submarines during the Second World War. Unlike Admiral Dönitz's submarines, AMPPK can effectively destroy all types of targets on the water, under water (not a priority) and in the air. Placing AMPPK on the routes of transport aircraft and the movement of maritime transport, in the event of a global conflict, will "cut" the supply routes from the United States to Europe.
Counteracting AMPPK will require the diversion of significant forces to guard sea convoys. Changing the routes of movement of transport aircraft, with an increase in the length of their flight, will increase the time for the delivery of cargo, and will require cover by combat aircraft with anti-radar missiles and torpedoes to confront AMPPK. Also, tanker aircraft, which are the basis of the strategic mobility of US aviation, can be destroyed. A side effect will be the constant stress of the aircraft crews, since they will not have the ability to withstand powerful missiles in the ocean, a single transport aircraft or tanker will be guaranteed to be destroyed.
For escort forces, AMPPK will not be an easy target and will be able to operate even against guarded convoys.
Destruction of satellites
Provided that the S-500 air defense missile system will include missiles capable of destroying satellites, the same opportunity can be realized at AMPPK. The advantages of AMPPK will be the ability to enter a position in the world's oceans, providing an optimal trajectory for the destruction of the selected satellites. Also, the launch in the vicinity of the Earth's equator provides the possibility of hitting targets at a higher altitude (the launch of cargo into orbit from the equator is used in the commercial floating cosmodrome Sea Launch).
Destruction of cruise missiles and UAVs launched on the territory of Russia's allies in regional conflicts
In operations similar to the company in Syria, AMPPK, which are on duty in the region of the Syrian coast, could partially destroy cruise missiles launched through Syria, in the area of flight over water, where the missiles cannot hide in the folds of the terrain, thereby reducing the effectiveness strikes by ships, submarines and aircraft of the NATO bloc. An additional effective means of influence can be the use of radar interference.
The need may arise when the defeat of manned carriers can provoke a global conflict, but it is necessary to weaken the blow to an ally as much as possible.
Based on the foregoing, it can be assumed that the creation of AMPPK will be an effective asymmetric solution of the Russian Navy for the powerful ship groupings of NATO countries
At the moment, the construction of a series of SSBNs of the Borey project is nearing completion. In the case of the timely development of AMFPK on the basis of the 955M project, their construction can be continued on the vacated stocks. Taking into account the experience gained in the manufacture of the Borey-class SSBN series, a lower level of technological risks can be expected than, for example, in the implementation of the Leader-class destroyer project. The implementation of Leader-class destroyers will require the creation of gas turbines that do not exist at the moment, the same project with a nuclear reactor will turn the destroyer into a cruiser, with a corresponding cost. In any case, AMPPK will have incomparably greater flexibility of use and combat stability, compared to surface ships, which are guaranteed to be detected and destroyed in the event of a collision with superior enemy forces.
For those actions when one cannot do without surface ships - displaying the flag, escorting transport ships, supporting amphibious operations, participating in low-intensity conflicts, in my opinion, the construction of frigates, including an increased displacement, as the proposed project 22350M, is sufficient.
The construction of a series of twelve AMFPKs, staffing them with replacement crews and carrying out timely maintenance will allow realizing a high coefficient of operational tension, and keeping eight AMFPKs at sea at the same time.
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