Flash News: Ukrainian President Confirms First Combat Use of Enhanced Neptune Cruise Missile with 1,000 km Range.

On March 15, 2025, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed via a Telegram post that the Ukrainian defense industry has successfully tested a new version of the Neptune anti-ship missile, now modified to strike ground targets with precision. This development marks a major leap forward in Ukraine’s missile capabilities, with the newly adapted Neptune missile reportedly capable of striking targets up to 1,000 km away.
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The Neptune is a land-based anti-ship missile system developed by Ukraine, designed to target and destroy naval warships and coastal infrastructure with precision strikes, now upgraded for ground target engagements at a range of 1,000 km. (Picture source:  Wikimedia)

The Neptune cruise missile, which was initially designed as an anti-ship weapon, has long been a cornerstone of Ukraine's coastal defense strategy. Since its introduction, the missile has proven effective in protecting Ukraine's maritime borders. However, the recent adaptation extends the missile’s role well beyond its initial purpose. The modification enables the missile to engage land-based targets, including military infrastructure, command centers, and high-value assets, with remarkable accuracy, effectively expanding Ukraine’s strategic reach.

The transition of the Neptune missile from an anti-ship weapon to a versatile multi-target strike system began to take shape in April 2023, when Ukrainian defense officials publicly revealed that efforts were underway to modify the missile’s guidance system and warhead. These modifications were designed to enhance the missile’s ability to hit both stationary and moving ground targets.

Though details about the specifics of the upgrades remain limited, it is believed that the guidance system of the missile has been re-engineered to accommodate a wider array of target types, including military infrastructure, air defense systems, and logistical hubs. More significantly, the range of the missile has been extended to 1,000 kilometers, providing Ukrainian forces with the ability to strike deep into Russian-occupied territories, a game-changing development in the ongoing conflict.

Originally, the Neptune missile was based on the R-360 cruise missile and was designed to target warships such as cruisers, destroyers, and tank landing ships. The missile system was designed to operate in challenging conditions, including under electronic countermeasures, and could defeat targets in both good and adverse weather.

The modified missile now brings the added benefit of being able to target land-based military assets, giving Ukraine a dual-purpose weapon system capable of operating in both maritime and land-based combat scenarios.

The successful combat deployment of the modified Neptune missile has significant strategic implications for Ukraine. Its ability to strike targets at such long ranges gives Ukraine a potent tool to disrupt Russian operations across a much larger geographic area. This expanded capability allows Ukraine to target critical Russian infrastructure, including supply chains, air defense systems, and logistics hubs, far beyond the frontlines. The missile’s 1,000-kilometer range gives Ukrainian forces a considerable advantage, enabling them to engage high-value targets deep within Russian-occupied territories and complicating Russian military operations by targeting their supply and reinforcement routes.

By extending their operational reach, Ukrainian forces can place further pressure on Russian defenses, making it harder for Russia to maintain and reinforce its positions. This shift in tactics could prove pivotal in weakening Russian forces and forcing them to divert resources and focus away from the frontlines.

The modification of the Neptune missile from an anti-ship system to a multi-target strike weapon is a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of Ukraine's defense industry. Despite facing ongoing external pressures and limited resources, Ukrainian engineers have quickly adapted existing technologies to meet the evolving needs of the conflict. This success demonstrates the defense sector's ability to innovate in the face of adversity.

Furthermore, the transition to using domestic technologies in such a critical role highlights the increasing importance of self-sufficiency in Ukraine's defense strategy. With a heavy reliance on foreign military aid, Ukraine's ability to independently modify and upgrade its weapon systems marks a significant step toward bolstering its national defense capabilities and reducing dependency on external support.

The Neptune anti-ship missile is a land-based system designed to target a wide range of naval and land-based assets. The missile, which is part of the RK-360 cruise missile family, is specifically designed to defeat warships like cruisers, destroyers, frigates, and tank landing ships. The system can operate independently or as part of a larger amphibious or naval force, and can engage coastal targets in various environmental conditions, including in the presence of enemy fire and electronic countermeasures.

The original Neptune missile has a firing range of up to 280 kilometers, and its advanced design allows for multiple missile launches in quick succession. The system can fire between 1 and 4 missiles per launcher, with a total of up to 16 missiles launched in a full salvo. The launchers are self-propelled and mobile, capable of being deployed within 15 minutes, allowing for rapid repositioning on the battlefield.

A Neptune anti-ship missile system battery includes a mobile command post, transport vehicles, and self-propelled launchers that carry up to 4 missiles per unit. Each missile weighs around 870 kg and is equipped with a 150 kg warhead. On highways, the system can travel at speeds of up to 70 km/h, and it operates at a slower speed of 20 km/h on off-road terrain. The Neptune missile’s versatility and mobility make it a highly effective and adaptable tool for Ukrainian defense forces.

Although the full scale of the deployment of modified Neptune missiles for ground strikes is not yet clear, the successful test of this new version marks a significant milestone in Ukraine's missile and defense technology. Ukrainian officials have indicated that further developments and upgrades to their missile systems are expected as the conflict evolves.

This successful adaptation serves as a reminder of technological innovation's critical role in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict. Ukraine’s ability to rapidly modify and improve its weapons systems, such as the Neptune missile, not only enhances its military capabilities but also sends a strong message of resilience and determination in the face of external aggression. As the conflict continues, the strategic importance of these technological advancements will likely grow, providing Ukraine with enhanced tools to defend its sovereignty and push back against Russian forces.