Lieutenant General Ivan Havryliuk, Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Defense, has revealed the Ukrainian defense industry’s latest achievement: a new land-based version of the renowned Neptune anti-ship cruise missile. This development marks a significant advancement in the Neptune missile system, highlighting Ukraine’s continuous efforts in defense innovation.
The project, a collaborative endeavor between the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense and the Ministry of Strategic Industries, aims to bolster Ukraine’s air defense capabilities. Defense Express reports that the adaptation primarily involves the R-360 missile from the Neptune complex, now tailored for ground target engagement.
This modified version of the missile boasts impressive enhancements. Its potential range is estimated at 400 km, a substantial increase from the 300 km range of its naval counterpart. Furthermore, the warhead’s weight has been upped to 350 kg, more than doubling the original 150 kg. These figures, however, might not be the final specifications, as ongoing developments could lead to further refinements.
Production of these advanced missiles is currently in its nascent stage, with only a few dozen units manufactured as of late August. Notably, the new Neptune variant retains the thermal imaging-based homing system for target acquisition, a feature that uses pre-loaded images for precise targeting. Additionally, it employs the same launcher as the anti-ship version, ensuring seamless integration into existing systems.
The Neptune missile gained international acclaim following the destruction of the Russian cruiser Moskva on April 13, 2022, a testament to its effectiveness. These missiles, products of Ukroboronprom enterprises, were launched from Neptune’s coastal missile system, demonstrating their strategic impact.