OVERVIEW: The VA‑111 Shkval is a Soviet/Russian supercavitating torpedo introduced in 1977. It is designed for ultra-high-speed attacks and was originally capable of being armed with either conventional or nuclear warheads.

DETAILS: Developed by NII‑24 (later Tactical Missiles Corporation) in the 1960s–1970s, the Shkval entered service in 1977 and remains in limited Russian and export use. It measures 8.2 m in length, has a diameter of 533 mm, and weighs approximately 2,700 kg. The torpedo uses a solid-fuel rocket booster and supercavitation ramjet to reach speeds in excess of 200 knots, striking targets within a range of 7 km (or up to ~13 km in modernized versions). It employs inertial guidance and later variants added terminal homing.

TYPE: Supercavitating high-speed anti-ship/submarine torpedo

FUNCTION: Launched from 533 mm submarine or surface-ship torpedo tubes, Shkval travels inside a gas bubble to minimize drag, achieving rapid straight-line high-speed trajectories toward a pre-programmed intercept point. Early models were used primarily as salvo weapons or counter-torpedoes; modern versions include terminal guidance for direct engagement.

NOTE:
IOC: 1977
Warhead: Originally fielded with conventional or possibly nuclear payloads—nuclear capability confirmed only for early models; modern variants carry conventional warheads .
Manufacturer: Tactical Missiles Corporation / NII‑24 (Soviet Union/Russia)
Operators: Russian Navy; Iranian Navy (export variant)

SOURCE:
Polmar, Cold War Submarines; National Interest / Asia Times articles; NII‑24 / Tactical Missiles Corporation data sheets; Infogalactic – VA‑111 Shkval; Army Recognition – Shkval upgrade program