Breaking News Ukraine unveils new long-range Neptune missile variant.

According to information published by Defence24 on August 17, 2024, Ukraine has unveiled a new variant of its R-360 Neptune cruise missile. This new version of the missile, reportedly adapted for striking land targets and featuring an extended range of up to 400 kilometers, was showcased in a video released by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
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Screenshot of the new long-range Neptune missile variant. (Picture source: Volodymyr Zelenskyy)

The enhanced Neptun missile was reportedly used in a recent nighttime attack on July 31 against the Chalino military airfield near Kursk, Russia. According to sources, the missile targeted and destroyed an ammunition depot at the airfield. This marks one of the first publicized instances of the modified Neptun being used in combat, following reports last September of its successful deployment against Russian air defense systems in Crimea.

Originally developed in 2018 by the Kyiv-based Luch Design Bureau, the R-360 Neptun was initially designed as an anti-ship missile with a range of 280-300 kilometers.

However, the latest version extends this capability to include land targets, further enhancing Ukraine’s ability to conduct long-range precision strikes. The missile travels at speeds of up to 900 km/h and can fly at altitudes ranging from 10 to 300 meters, dropping to just three meters during its final approach to avoid enemy air defenses. The Neptun gained international attention in April 2022 when it was used to sink the Russian guided-missile cruiser Moskva in the Black Sea.

The updated Neptun missile system is part of a broader effort by Ukraine to develop advanced missile capabilities, with future plans reportedly aiming to extend the range of Ukrainian cruise missiles to 1,000 kilometers.

Russian response

In response to this threat, Russian analysts suggest deploying additional S-400 and Buk-M3 air defense systems across various regions in Russia. They emphasize the need to install 40V6MD low-altitude detection towers, standing 38.8 meters tall, in each air defense division. Furthermore, they propose positioning 92N6 radar illuminators on these towers at intervals of 65-70 kilometers to eliminate potential "blind spots" that the Neptune missiles could exploit.

To counter extremely low-altitude targets, the analysts recommend equipping Buk-M3 divisions with additional 9S36M radar illuminators mounted on specialized mast structures. They also advise establishing patrols of Su-30SM/2 multifunctional fighters armed with R-77-1 missiles in regions identified as high-risk for missile attacks.