The Long Neptune missilean evolution of the already well-known R-360 Neptune, marks a significant turning point in Ukraine’s defense skills. Originally conceived as an anti-Nave missile, Neptune has been transformed into a Earth tactical cruise missile with a declared range of 1000 kilometers. This transformation highlights the considerable adaptability of the Ukrainian defense industry.
The development of this weapon is a direct response to the need of Ukraine of affect strategic objectives in depth in the enemy territoryexceeding the limitations imposed by the missile systems provided by the western allies. A long -ray weapon system guarantees more strategic autonomy and the ability to respond strongly to threats to Ukraine.
Origins and development: a technological evolution.
The Neptune missile It originates from the KH-35 Soviet anti-Nave missile of the 80s. This technological inheritance underlines Ukrainian competence in missile design. The evolution from the KH-35 to Neptune was guided by the Kiev Luch design office, with significant range improvements, pointing and electronic systems.
The original Neptune entered service for the Ukrainian Navy in 2021, demonstrating its effectiveness in April 2022 with the sinking of the Russianunger Russian Moskvto. This success has probably accelerated the development of the long -range version with terrestrial attack capacity. The works on the earth’s variant were already underway in April 2023, with an initial 360 km rated objective. The first use in combat of the “Long Neptune”, with a 1000 km range, was announced this year by the President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The entire Long Neptune development process has been completed in just three years.
Technical specifications: precision and power
The declared range of Long Neptune It is 1000 kilometers. It is assumed that it maintains the subsonic speed of the original Neptune, about 900 km/h. This speed makes the Long Neptune more difficult to intercept than drones.
The weight of the head is estimated between 100 and 300 kilograms of explosive, probably increased compared to the 150 kg of Neptune Anti-Nave. To hit the target, use a system similar to that of Neptune: a navigator and a radar. But, given that he has to hit the ground, perhaps he also has a sensor that sees the heat, to be more precise.
Use in combat and strategy: a weapon of deterrence
The first job in combat of Long Neptune was announced was announced today: it was used against Russia: Use against a Russian oil refinery of Tuapse, Russia, but the Ukrainian Minister of the Strategic Industries Herman Smetanin, in an interview with the Norwegian newspaper Nettavisen, has said that in reality “the first time we used it we attacked a military goal in the occupied crimea peninsula”.
Like Neptune, the Long Neptune It is launched by the mobile system on the USPIP-360 truck, which increases its ability to survival and operational efficacy.
Strategic meaning and geopolitical implications: a new balance
The introduction of Long Neptune has a crucial strategic importance for Ukraine, reducing dependence on western supplies and related restrictions. This strategic autonomy offers greater operational flexibility and the ability to effectively respond to Russian attacks.
The ability to hit Russian territory in depth could alter the balance of the conflict, forcing Russia to review its strategies. On a geopolitical level, the development of Long Neptune He demonstrates the growing defense capabilities of Ukraine, potentially influencing relations with western allies and inspiring other countries to invest in missile ability independently.