OVERVIEW: The SS-N-14 SILEX is a medium-range, solid-fuel rocket-propelled anti-submarine system, with a surface-to-surface capability. It is designed to attack submarines beyond the first convergence zone. It carries either a 185 kg shaped charge warhead and a UMGT-1/E40-79 torpedo, or a nuclear depth charge. In the SSM role, it uses an IR sensor for terminal guidance.

DETAILS: After a 15-second warm up phase, the SILEX is launched and command guided to the target area using command guidance, where the torpedo is deployed. In the SSM role, the missile uses command guidance until the SILEX's IR seeker acquires the target.

NOTES: The SILEX entered became operational in 1968. It is no longer in production.

SOURCES: Norman Polmar, "Guide to the Soviet Navy, 3rd ed. (Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press, 1983), 366; Jane's Weapons Systems, Vol. 3, "SS-N-14 Silex URK-5," 22 Oct 2013