The complex is capable to hit surface ships of different classes and types, a part of landing units, escorts, strike ship groups and aircraft carriers, as well as single ships and coastal radio-contrast targets under conditions of heavy firing and radio-electronic jamming.

The ship-based missile complex with ASM “Yakhont”  is famous for such exclusively important advantages as versatility by platforms and launch types (underwater/surface, inclined/vertical), high combat effectiveness under heavy fire and radio electronic jamming, simple exploitation. As well the complex features such priorities as complete independence of ASM operation, flexible trajectories and long range of flight, high supersonic speed through the whole trajectory, portability and the minimum maintenance.

The ship-based missile complex with ASM “Yakhont” comprises:
- versatile supersonic anti-ship cruise missile “Yakhont” in transportation-launching canister;
- launches;
- ship born fire control system;
- ground support complex with check-out equipment;
- loading equipment.

The fully charged and armed missile is stored  in the sealed transportation launching canister with the compactly folded wings and fins. All necessary routine checks are conducted without removal of the missile from canister.

The missile is launched  from canister (surface and underwater) by mortar scheme with no flow of booster gas jet and that allows to considerably reduce the sizes of launcher locations onboard the platform.