Ukraine has achieved a significant milestone in its defense capabilities with the announcement from President Volodymyr Zelensky regarding the successful testing and operational use of an upgraded version of the Neptune cruise missile, now known as the Long Neptune. This indigenous missile boasts an impressive range of approximately 1,000 kilometers (621 miles), marking a substantial enhancement in Ukraine’s strike capabilities.
In a statement, Zelensky expressed gratitude to Ukrainian developers, manufacturers, and military personnel, highlighting the precise strike capabilities of the Long Neptune. He emphasized the considerable progress made in the missile program, celebrating the successful combat use of this advanced weaponry.
The Long Neptune is an evolution of the original R-360 Neptune missile, which was inducted into service in 2021. Over the years, efforts have been made to extend its range, leading to significant modifications that now allow it to engage land-based targets. Notably, the original version of the Neptune made headlines when it sank the Russian Black Sea Fleet flagship Moskva in April 2022 and has since been employed to strike various Russian military assets, including the S-400 air defense system.
Developed by Ukraine’s Luch Design Bureau based on the Soviet Kh-35 missile, the Long Neptune’s successful deployment in combat is believed to reference a recent operation carried out on March 14, where the missile struck a Russian oil refinery located 300 miles (483 kilometers) from the frontline in Tuapse.
In light of this advancement, Ukraine is also looking to increase the production of the Neptune missile. Defense Minister Rustem Umerov previously outlined plans to enhance long-range missile-drones, specifically the Palianytsia, aiming for the production of 30,000 long-range drones and 3,000 cruise missiles by 2025.
Amid these developments, the United States is reportedly ready to resume supplying Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bombs (GLSDB) to Ukraine. This comes as the country faces challenges with its stock of similarly ranged Army Tactical Missile Systems. The GLSDB being provided is advantageous, as it has been upgraded to better withstand Russian electronic warfare, which has previously hampered its operational effectiveness.
