KSR-2 & KS-11

KSR-2 and KS-11, NATO AS-5 Kelt, were Soviet air-launched missiles carried by bomber aircraft such as the Tu-16. GlobalSecurity describes KSR-2 as a liquid-rocket air-to-surface missile with active and passive radar-homing roles, while GlobalMilitary summarizes the family as the AS-5 Kelt missile system. The China prefix should be treated cautiously; the weapon family is Soviet in origin.

KSR-2/KS-11 belongs to the early Cold War era of large bomber-launched standoff weapons. Active radar homing supported anti-ship attack, while passive radar-homing variants could attack radar sites. The liquid-propellant design and large size reflect older technology and more demanding handling compared with later compact cruise missiles.

KSR-2/KS-11 gave Soviet and export bomber forces the ability to attack defended targets from outside direct overflight. Its operational record and limitations show the challenges of early missile guidance, survivability, and countermeasures. For modern readers, it should be treated as legacy equipment with historical and doctrinal value.