The Croatian Navy successfully test fired a Saab AB-produced RBS15 surface-to-surface missile from a RTOP-42 Dubrovnik fast attack craft on Oct. 19, the company said Thursday.

The test occurred during the HARPUN 16 military exercise, held from Oct. 16-23 in the waters of Dugi Otok and Žirje. It is the main training event for the Croatian Navy in 2016 and one of the main activities in the process of implementation of the Navy’s capability goals, Saab said.

RBS15 Mk3 missile test for the Orkan-class fast attack craft. Photo: Saab.
RBS15 Mk3 missile test for the Orkan-class fast attack craft. Photo: Saab.

HARPUN is conducted to increase the operational capabilities in planning and implementation of joint naval operations in a complex maritime environment, with a focus on implementing firing an anti-ship missile and maritime assault, the company added.

The RBS15 uses active radar to reach targets at over 124 miles at a speed of Mach 0.9 in the Mk3 model. It uses a 200 kg blast and fragmentation warhead triggered by delayed impact or proximity fuze function. The RBS15 family of systems has been in operation since the earl 1980s.

“Croatia have for a long time been an important customer for us and this firing is a strong proof of their expertise and knowledge and clearly demonstrates the reliability of the missile system.” Michael Höglund, head of marketing and sales at Saab’s missile systems business unit within the dynamics business area, said in a statement.

“The firing of the RBS15 demonstrated the Croatian Armed Forces’ capability to operate from all RBS15 launch platforms, which is a significant step forward in the Croatian Armed Forces’ capabilities“, said Lt. Gen. Drago Matanović, Deputy Chief of the General Staff.