Ukraine has publicly released footage showing the launch of an extended-range Neptune cruise missile during an attack on Russian targets in a video shared by President Volodymyr Zelensky.
Commenting on the video, Zelensky stated that production of the Long Neptune missile is increasing.
The Long Neptune is an upgraded version of Ukraine’s R-360 Neptune cruise missile, according to RBC-Ukraine.
While the original missile was designed for anti-ship roles, the modernized variant can also strike land targets at much longer distances.
Kyiv has not released formal technical specifications, but RBC-Ukraine reported the missile’s estimated range at around 1,000 kilometers (620 miles), roughly 3.5 times that of the standard R-360, which has a range of about 280 kilometers (175 miles).
In addition to the extended range, the Long Neptune carries a heavier warhead of 260 kilograms (573 pounds), compared with 150 kilograms (331 pounds) in the original version.
The Neptune was previously tested and used operationally in March.
Boosting Production
Ukraine is working to increase its domestic production of long‑range weapons as the war with Moscow continues.
In August, the Ukrainian military revealed a new long‑range rocket‑powered drone designed to strike targets deep inside Russian territory.
Named “Palianytsia,” the system blends features of drones and missiles.
It reportedly carries a 20‑kilogram (44‑pound) blast‑fragmentation warhead, similar in explosive power to an AIM‑120 AMRAAM.
Earlier this year, Ukraine tested another long‑range drone with an estimated range of 3,000 kilometers (1,864 miles), sufficient to reach major Russian cities such as Moscow and Saint Petersburg.
