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P-120 Malakhit 4K-85
SSN-9 Siren

The SS-N-9 'Siren' or 4K85 missile is believed to be similar in configuration to the SS-N-7 STARBRIGHT but longer. The prime difference appears to be that the rear-facing ducts in 'Starbright' are replaced by an air intake under the fuselage. There appears to be an aerial installation near the nose on the right-hand side. It is possible that the active radar seeker is complemented by an IR seeker.

The P-50 Malachit was developed as a "universal" anti-ship missiles for submarines and surface ships. It was intended to replace the high altitude, relatively slow SS-N-3, which was vulnerable to air defenses in flight and used a radar seeker that was vulnerable to jamming and deception measures. Intended to replace P-50 missile, development of the P-120 Malakhit [industrial code 4K-85] started in 1963. The shorter range of the SS-N-9 compared to the SS-N-3 reduced the flight time of the missile and eliminated the need for mid-course guidance. This eliminated the need for a guidance radar on the submarine, which allowed a fire and forget submerged launch.

The SS-N-9 'Siren' was initially deployed on surface ships and subsequently on the Charlie-II submarines. It is believed that about 200 'Starbright' and 500 'Siren' missiles were produced but that production has now ceased. The missiles are used only by the Russian Navy. It has been superceded by the longer-range SS-N-22 Sunburn.

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