Ukraine has revealed a new Neptune cruise missile variant featuring bulges likely for increased fuel capacity, suggesting an extended range. This missile, distinct from the longer-range Long Neptune, was showcased to Western dignitaries alongside other domestically developed weapons systems. The Neptune family, originally designed for anti-ship roles, has become crucial for striking targets inside Russia, with existing versions reportedly hitting over 50 Russian targets in the past year. This continued development of the Neptune family is part of a larger push by Ukraine to enhance its domestic arms production.
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Ukraine has unveiled the RK-360L, a new land-attack version of its Neptune cruise missile with a range of up to 1,000 kilometers. This updated missile, part of the Neptune-D system, boasts a warhead weight of 260 kilograms, significantly exceeding the original Neptune’s specifications. The RK-360L also incorporates features for long-range land operations, including low-altitude flight and precision targeting. It retains the capability to strike both land and sea targets, and has been used in strikes such as the one against the Elektrodetal factory in the Bryansk region.
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In April 2020, Ukraine’s navy successfully used a modified R-360 Neptune anti-ship missile in a long-range strike against a Russian factory in Bryansk, targeting a facility specializing in electrical parts for military and aerospace components. The strike, conducted over a range of 240 km, suggests the use of the “Long Neptune” version, initially designed for naval targets but modified to hit land targets with an extended range. This follows a previous strike on an oil refinery in March and reflects Ukraine’s efforts to expand its homegrown long-range arsenal, reducing reliance on Western-provided weapons. The Neptune missile, based on the Soviet Kh-35 and manufactured by Luch Design Bureau, was revealed to have a significantly extended range compared to its original capabilities.
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Ukraine’s newly deployed Neptune cruise missile, boasting a range exceeding 600 miles, has successfully struck targets deep within Russia, including an oil refinery near President Putin’s residence. This combat-proven missile, years in development, places Moscow within its striking distance. The successful deployment comes amidst tense ceasefire negotiations involving the U.S., and despite Russia’s rejection of the proposed terms, the development significantly alters the dynamics of the ongoing conflict.
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President Zelenskyy announced the successful testing and deployment of Ukraine’s new “Long Neptune” long-range missile, boasting a 1,000-kilometer range. This extended-range modification of the domestically produced Neptune cruise missile, initially designed for naval targets, significantly enhances Ukraine’s defense capabilities. While official deployment numbers remain undisclosed, the missile may have been used in recent strikes, with unverified reports suggesting involvement in a March 14th attack on a Russian oil refinery. This development follows Ukraine’s progress on other missile programs, including the successful testing of its first ballistic missile.
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John Q. Hosedrinker