This post is also available in:
עברית (Hebrew)
A newly coastal missile system, introduced by Saab, aims to reshape how nations protect their shores against naval threats. Developed around the well-established RBS15 missile family, the Coastal Defense Missile System (CDMS) provides a land-based anti-ship solution with long-range strike capabilities and operational flexibility.
The CDMS is engineered to launch either the RBS15 Mk3 or the upcoming Mk4 variant. The Mk3 currently offers a range exceeding 200 kilometers, while the Mk4—expected to enter service later this decade—will extend that reach to beyond 300 kilometers. Both missile types are designed to operate in all weather conditions, featuring high-subsonic sea-skimming flight paths and fire-and-forget functionality. This combination makes them particularly hard to detect and counter.
According to the company’s press release, a key feature of the CDMS is its containerized design. Each mobile launcher vehicle carries four missiles within a footprint equivalent to a standard 6-meter shipping container, making it compact and straightforward to transport.
Beyond targeting enemy ships, the system offers secondary capabilities for land-attack missions, expanding its utility in multi-domain operations. With its passive stance until the moment of launch, the system maintains a low signature, reducing exposure to enemy reconnaissance.
The shift to land-based missile systems like the CDMS also reduces dependence on naval platforms for coastal defense. By offloading these tasks to ground systems, navies can redeploy vessels for other operational needs without sacrificing nearshore security.
Another advantage lies in cost-efficiency. Compared to the significant investment required for naval combatants, CDMS offers similar strike capabilities at a fraction of the price. A small number of batteries could potentially safeguard large stretches of coastline, making it a practical option for countries seeking to bolster maritime deterrence.
The RBS15 missile system is already fielded by several NATO and European countries, providing opportunities for interoperability and shared support networks.
With rising concerns over contested maritime zones, the CDMS introduces a flexible, mobile, and scalable option for coastal defense—one that blends proven missile technology with modern battlefield requirements.
