Missile KSR-2 & KS-11 (AS-5 Kelt)

The KSR-2 was developed in 1958 as a replacement for the KS-1 Komet. Flight testing began that same year as part of the K-16 weapon system, utilizing modified Tu-16 bombers equipped with the Roobin-1K search and target illumination radar. The system entered service with the Soviet Navy in 1962. An updated variant, the KSR-2M, entered service in 1967 and featured a rocket motor that permitted launches at lower altitudes.

The KSR-2 is an air-launched cruise missile configured with swept wings and dual wing fences. Propulsion is provided by a liquid-fueled twin-chamber rocket motor using TG-02 or TT-S2 fuel and AK-20F oxidizer. The engine operates in a boost mode for initial acceleration and switches to a cruise mode for the remainder of the flight. The guidance system employs an autopilot for inertial navigation during the cruise phase, followed by terminal J-band active radar homing for anti-shipping operations. Warhead options include conventional high-explosive or a one-megaton nuclear charge.

The KSR-11 is an anti-radiation variant designed to engage air-defense radars and electronic countermeasure facilities. It utilizes a 2PRG-11 passive radar seeker and is externally similar to the KSR-2. A target drone version, designated KRM-2 or MV-1, was also produced and entered service in 1966.

The missile system was deployed by the Soviet Union and exported to Egypt and Iraq. During the 1973 Yom Kippur War, Egyptian Tu-16 bombers launched 13 KSR-2 and 12 KSR-11 missiles against targets. One missile directed at Tel Aviv was intercepted and destroyed by an Israeli aircraft. The system was also utilized during the Iran-Iraq War. The Soviet Union retired the missile from service around 1990.

🇪🇬 Egypt • 🇮🇶 Iraq