The 3M-54 Kalibr/Klub (SS-N-27 “Sizzler”) is a Russian short-range ship-, and submarine-launched anti-ship missile. The Sizzler is part of the Kalibr family of missiles and has several export versions known as the ‘Klub’ missile series.

SS-N-27 Development

Along with the rest of the Klub and Kalibr family of missiles, this anti-ship cruise missile began development in 1985 by Novator Experimental Design Bureau and was made available for export in 1997. NATO designated it the SS-N-27 “Sizzler” by NATO after it was first displayed in 1993. It has since been established that the SS-N-27A refers to the 3M54 version of the missile (three-stage propulsion) and that the SS-N-27B refers to the 3M54M1 version (two-stage propulsion).¹

The Sizzler’s family of export variants is known as the “Klub” series. These include the submarine-launched Klub-S, which consists of the anti-ship 3M54E and 3M54E1 missiles. The Klub-N variants are surface ship-launched anti-ship missiles and include the 3M-54TE and the 3M54TE1. The Klub-A variant is air-launched and includes the anti-ship 3M54AE and the 3M54AE1.²

SS-N-27 Specifications

3M54 (SS-N-27A)
The 3M54 (SS-N-27A) anti-ship missile is equipped with a three-stage solid propellant turbojet engine and is 8.22 m long, 0.534 m in diameter, and has a launch weight of 1,930 kg. The minimum range of the 3M54 is 20 km with an estimated maximum range is 300 km.³

3M54M1 (SS-N-27B)
The 3M54M1 (SS-N-27B), although similar to the 3M54, has a two-stage solid propellant turbojet engine and is significantly shorter at 6.2 m, and lighter at 1,570 kg, with a diameter of 0.534 m. The 3M54M1 is equipped with a heavier 450 kg HE warhead and has an increased range of up to 300 km.⁴A vertical launch version of the missile, the 3M54TM1, is 6.92 m long, 0.645 m in diameter, and weighs 1,780 kg. Also equipped with a 450 kg HE warhead, turbojet engine, inertial navigation system, and GPS, the 3M54TM1 has a maximum range of 275 km.⁵

Klub Variants
Within the Klub-S export family, the 3M-54E is 8.2 m, has a range of 220 km and is equipped with a 200 kg warhead. The 3M54E1 is 6.2 m, has a range of 300 km and is equipped with a 400 kg warhead.⁶

The Klub-N variant includes the 3M54TE, which is 8.9 m long, is equipped with a 200 kg warhead and a range of 220 km. The 3M54TE1 is 8.9 m long, has a 400 kg warhead and a range of 300 km.⁷

The Klub-A variant includes the 3M54AE, which is equipped with a 200 kg warhead and has a range of 300 km. The Klub-A version is similar to the 3M54M1 and 3M54 but do not have the first stage solid-propellant boost motor. The air-launched missiles are fitted inside lightweight canisters for air-carriage and have a diameter of 0.578 m. Combined with their canisters, the Klub-A air launched variants weigh 1,400 kg and have a length of 6.2 m.⁸

SS-N-27 Service History

Russia reportedly test-fired the missiles in 2004 and they have since been deployed with the Russian Navy on the Bunyan-M corvette.⁹ SS-N-27s are reportedly also deployed on Grigorovich class frigates, as well as Yasen, Schula-B, and Lada class submarines. Klub-S variant missiles are reportedly arming the Borey Class SSBN.¹⁰

After Russia sold an undisclosed number of Sizzler anti-ship missiles to India in 1999, it was reported that the Sindhughosh-class submarine was fitted with a 3M54E missile system. India has since fit 3M54E missiles on three Russian-built Talwar-class frigates (eight missiles per ship).¹¹

Reports claim that several unconfirmed issues presented during a 2007 test of the 3M54M1E, but that subsequent tests in 2008 were successful.¹²

A 2005 report claimed that eight Chinese Kilo-class submarines would be fitted with 3M54 Klub-S (submarine) missiles before 2008.¹³

In July 2008, an estimated nine 3M54 missiles were test-launched from Indian Sindhughosh-class submarines. Although unconfirmed, reports suggest that China has also tested the missile.¹⁴

In March 2016, it was announced that Russian Project 971 will upgrade the ‘Akula’-class nuclear powered attack submarines and arm them with 3M54 missiles.¹⁵