OVERVIEW: The RBU-12000 is a ship-mounted, short-range, guided anti-submarine rocket launcher system firing ten 300 mm R-89 rockets in a single salvo. It is designed for rapid, precision engagement of submarines and underwater threats using inertial guidance and proximity-fused warheads.

DETAILS: The RBU-12000 (Reaktivno-Bombovaya Ustanovka) is an advanced Russian ASW system featuring ten launch tubes mounted in two five-tube blocks. It fires the R-89 rocket, which is equipped with inertial guidance and a proximity fuse, enabling mid-course correction and higher kill probability. The rocket carries a 100 kg high-explosive warhead, capable of engaging underwater targets at depths up to 600 meters. Maximum range is approximately 5 kilometers, significantly beyond older RBU systems.

The RBU-12000 improves upon traditional RBU systems by introducing guided munitions, automated reload, and computer-controlled targeting integrated with sonar systems. The system also provides better coverage against fast and deep-diving submarines.

The launcher is deck-mounted and integrated with onboard sonar and fire-control systems for target acquisition and firing solution. Salvos are ripple-fired or single-fired depending on the threat, and the system is reloaded automatically from a below-deck magazine.

NOTE:
IOC: 1987
Operators: Russia
Platforms: Admiral Nakhimov (Kirov-class battlecruiser), Pyotr Velikiy (Kirov-class), Udaloy II-class destroyers (e.g., RFS Admiral Chabanenko)
Conflict used in: Not confirmed in combat

SOURCE:
Russian Ministry of Defence ; Jane’s Underwater Warfare Systems ; Federation of American Scientists (FAS) ; Naval Institute Guide to World Naval Weapon Systems ; GlobalSecurity.org: https://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/rbu-12000.htm