Missile P-700 Granit (SS-N-19 Shipwreck)

The P-700 Granit was developed during the 1970s to replace the P-70 Ametist and P-120 Malakhit systems. The design was intended to provide greater range than previous missiles when engaged with carrier battle groups. The system was partially derived from the P-500 Bazalt.

The missile utilizes a solid-fuel rocket booster for launch, which is jettisoned once the sustainer engine engages. Sustained flight is provided by a ramjet engine using an annular air intake located in the nose. Warhead options include high explosive, fuel-air explosive, and a 500 kt thermonuclear variant.

Guidance is provided by a mixed-mode system including inertial guidance, terminal active radar homing, and anti-radar homing. The system is designed for networked group strikes. When fired in groups, one missile climbs to a higher altitude to provide target designation for the rest of the swarm, which operates at lower altitudes. If the designating missile is intercepted, another missile rises to assume the role. The onboard computer is programmed with ship types and naval formations to allow for automatic target differentiation and prioritization. The system also includes features for evading electronic warfare and anti-missile defenses.

The P-700 entered service on 19 July 1983, following initial deployment aboard the cruiser Kirov in 1980. It is operated by the Russian Navy and was formerly used by the Soviet Navy. The system is deployed on Oscar-class submarines, Kirov-class battlecruisers, and the Admiral Kuznetsov aircraft carrier. The installation of launchers on the Admiral Kuznetsov allowed the vessel to be classified as an aircraft cruiser. In August 2000, the submarine Kursk sank with 24 missiles on board; these were recovered during a salvage operation in 2001. The system remains in service with the Northern and Pacific Fleets. Modernization plans involve replacing P-700 launchers with cells for Oniks and Kalibr missiles. Transition to the Zircon missile was scheduled to begin in 2018.