The Rubezh-ME coastal defence system, dedicated to the export market, is based on a Kamaz 63501 8×8 chassis which is more compact than the MZKT-7930 of the original Bal-E. The Rubezh-ME still uses the same familly of KH-35 anti-ship missile. The Zvezda Kh-35 is a Russia turbojet subsonic cruise anti-ship missile.The system is paired with its Monolith-B self-propelled commmand vehicle with control and communication unit. The Rubez-ME can be deployed in less than 15 min, be positioned up to 1km above sea level and 10km from the coast line.
Currently, the Bal system is equipped with an upgraded version of the Kh-35E increasing range to 300 km (190 mi; 160 nmi). The Bal coastal missile system in the fall of 2004 showed excellent results in the state tests and entered service in 2008. The Kh-35 missile is a subsonic weapon featuring a normal aerodynamic configuration with cruciform wings and fins and a semisubmerged air duct intake. The 4-tube Rubezh-ME, dedicated to the export market, is based on a Kamaz 63501 8×8 chassis which is more compact than the MZKT-7930 of the original Bal-E.
Thanks to integration of target designation and combat systems into one platform Rubezh-ME can be used either as a single combat unit or as a group of up to 8 vehicles. The Monolith-B radar allows the Rubezh-ME to engage targets up to 250km in active mode and up to 450km in passive mode, the systems also allows to track 30 targets in active mode, 50 in passive detection mode and 10 in targeting mode. The KH-35E missile has a range of 5 to 130km and the KH-35UE allows the Rubezh-ME to engage from 7 to 260km.
The Rubezh-ME coastal tactical missile system can effectively combat against surface ships in littoral areas minimized armament and technical means composition.Taking into consideration the composition of the system, the current tactical situation and the assigned combat task various configurations of armament and technical equipment with flexible fire control can be formed. At IMDS 2019, a new version of the Russian Bal-E coastal defence system is presented for the 1st time.
