The Kilo class submarine has six 533mm torpedo tubes in the bow section of the first compartment. The six tubes are in two rows, with two on top and four at bottom, all capable of launching torpedoes and laying mines. The two outbound tubes at the bottom can also launch TEST-71MKE TV electric homing torpedoes. The two upper tubes can be used to launch the 3M-54E anti-ship cruise missile.
The submarine’s weapon compartment can accommodate 18 torpedoes, with six in the launch tubes and 12 on the weapon racks. If the submarine does not carry any torpedo, it can deploy 24 mine.
The anti-submarine TEST-71MKE remotely controlled torpedo has an active sonar homing system with TV guidance which allows the operator to manually switch to an alternative target, and can manoeuvre in two axes. The torpedo weighs 1,820kg with a 205kg explosive charge.
The unique wake-homing 53-65KE torpedo is designed to attack surface targets. It weighs 2,200kg with 200kg explosive charge. It has a range of up to 40km, and a depth of search of up to 500m.
The Kilo class can be fitted with a launcher for eight Strela-3 (NATO codename: SA-N-8 Gremlin) surface-to-air missiles, but those in service with the PLA Navy are not equipped with this system.
The eight newer Project 636M submarines are equipped with the Klub-S missile complex, which can fire the Novator 3M-54E anti-ship cruise missile. The missile has a maximum range of 220km and a 450kg high-explosive warhead.
