Ukraine Is Developing ‘Long Neptune’ Missiles: Details

We are talking about a new type of missile.

Ukraine is working on a secret project – the development of a new type of missile. They call it “long Neptune”. This was reported by RBC-Ukraine quoting the Deputy Minister of Defenсe of Ukraine, Lieutenant General Ivan Havrilyuk.

“Currently, work is underway to develop the so-called “long Neptune”. We are talking about a new Neptune missile modification. Active work is also underway together with the Ministry of Strategic Industries to strengthen the air defence system,” he said.

However, he refused to disclose more details of the new development.

“We cannot talk about this in detail yet, I will only say that work continues on the modernization of the Buk and S-300 anti-aircraft missile systems,” Havrilyuk added.

What is known about the “long Neptune”

Most likely we are talking about adapting the R-360 missile of the Neptune system to destroy ground targets. According to the publication, the probable range of such a missile can reach 400 km (versus 300 km in the anti-ship version) and the warhead – 350 kg (versus 150 kg). However, it is possible that this is not the final performance characteristic of the modified missile.

According to the publication, only a few dozen such missiles had been produced at the end of August.

“The new Neptune has also previously been reported that the missile uses a thermal imaging homing system to search for and lock on to a target based on a preloaded image, and that of course the missile uses the same launcher as the anti-ship modification,” the article reads.

Neptune development may be the implementation of a budget of 175 billion UAH allocated for missile weapons and ammunition for next year

Recall, the Russian cruiser Moskva was destroyed by the Neptune missiles on April 13, 2022. Moskva was destroyed by two missiles launched from the Neptune coastal missile system, developed by the Ukroboronprom State Concern (Ukraine).

It is believed to be Russia's most expensive military loss in the war against Ukraine, since the residual value of the cruiser was estimated at $750 million.