OVERVIEW: The RBU-1000 is an unguided, short-range, ship-mounted anti-submarine rocket launcher designed to engage submarines and underwater threats. It fires 300 mm rockets from a 6-barrel launcher in salvos for immediate close-in underwater area defense.

DETAILS: Introduced by the Soviet Union in 1963, the RBU-1000 is a 6-tube launcher system that fires RGB-10 rockets armed with high-explosive warheads and fitted with contact or time fuzes. The system has a maximum range of approximately 1,000 meters and relies on sonar input via the Burya or later fire-control systems for targeting and fuse-setting. The launcher is trainable in elevation and azimuth, and reloads are conducted from below deck. The RBU-1000 provides a compact yet rapid-response ASW capability for use aboard medium and large surface combatants.

It is lighter and smaller than the RBU-2500 and RBU-6000 systems, allowing installation on ships with restricted space while still delivering reliable ASW firepower. It was fitted widely on Soviet-era vessels to reinforce layered underwater defense.

The system receives sonar-acquired target data, enabling programmed ripple or salvo fire. The rockets detonate at preset depths, forming a lethal pattern around the predicted position of hostile submarines or combat divers.

NOTE:
IOC: 1963
Operators: Russia, India, Vietnam, Algeria, Syria
Platforms: Kashin-class (Project 61), Kara-class (Project 1134B), Sovremenny-class (Project 956), Slava-class (Project 1164), Admiral Nakhimov (Project 1144), Neustrashimyy-class (Project 11540)
Conflict used in: Cold War naval operations (no confirmed combat use)

SOURCE:
Jane’s Underwater Warfare Systems ; Federation of American Scientists (FAS): https://fas.org ; GlobalSecurity.org: https://www.globalsecurity.org ; Russian Navy Doctrine Publications ; Naval Technology Reports