Ukraine Unveils Long-Range ‘Neptune’ Missile, Expanding Strike Capabilities
Ukraine has successfully developed and deployed a new long-range version of its Neptune missile, significantly enhancing its military capabilities in the ongoing conflict with Russia. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced the successful testing and combat use of the “Long Neptune,” which boasts a range of over 620 miles.
The Long Neptune, an upgraded variant of the R-360 Neptune anti-ship missile, has been modified for land attack missions by the Luch Design Bureau. This subsonic, truck-launched munition represents a substantial improvement over its predecessor, with its range more than tripled from the original 200 miles.
Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov had previously indicated that serial production and range upgrades for the Neptune system were in progress. The fruition of these efforts has now been confirmed with the missile’s combat debut.
Reports suggest that the Long Neptune has already been utilized in strategic operations against Russian targets. A notable instance includes a strike on an oil refinery in Tuapse, Russia, marking a significant attack on Moscow’s energy infrastructure. This demonstration of extended reach surpasses the capabilities of many Western-supplied ground- and air-launched missiles currently in Ukraine’s arsenal.
The development of the Long Neptune is part of a broader initiative by Ukraine to expand its domestically produced munitions, including various missiles and drones. This push for self-reliance in defense capabilities reflects Kyiv’s determination to maintain pressure on Russian military and economic targets deep within enemy territory.
President Zelensky emphasized the importance of this achievement for national security, highlighting the missile’s potential to alter the strategic balance in the region. The successful deployment of the Long Neptune underscores the critical role of Ukraine’s indigenous defense industry in sustaining its military efforts against Russian aggression.
As the conflict continues, the introduction of advanced weaponry like the Long Neptune signals Ukraine’s growing capacity to conduct long-range precision strikes, potentially influencing the dynamics of the war and future negotiations.
