Rough weather could prevent helicopter operations, leaving a ship dependent on its own anti-submarine weapons. RBU launchers also offered something to fire at an incoming torpedo, giving the crew a last chance to disrupt the attack before impact. The system was effective within those limits and was more than visually impressive equipment for publicity.
Notable Point · 23:01-23:27
RBU launchers added a last-ditch torpedo defence
A discussion of Baltic and North Sea operations explains why Soviet ships retained RBU rocket launchers alongside helicopter-based anti-submarine warfare.