Småland retained missiles and torpedoes because they served successive parts of an attack. Missiles would suppress or destroy a convoy's escorts before the destroyer closed to launch torpedoes at the merchant ships. Against a cruiser such as a Sverdlov, the sequence becomes more direct: fire the missiles, close the range, and add the torpedoes. Carrying both weapon types gives the commander options against different parts of the formation. The striking weapons fit follows from the operational sequence it was intended to support.
Notable Point · 1:58:28-2:00:25
Småland combined missiles with a torpedo attack
Comments on the Swedish destroyer Småland lead to an attack sequence in which missiles engage escorts before torpedoes are used against the convoy itself.