Ukraine's 'Long Neptune' Missile Revealed: A 1000km Range Upgrade

Unveiling the "Long Neptune": Ukraine's Enhanced Cruise Missile Emerges with Extended Reach

A striking evolution in Ukraine's indigenous defense capabilities has come into sharp focus with the recent unveiling of a significantly enhanced version of the R-360 "Neptune" cruise missile. Dubbed the "Long Neptune," this formidable weapon has reportedly achieved an astonishing operational range of up to 1000 kilometers, a substantial leap from its predecessors. The missile's new, more imposing silhouette was first officially showcased, igniting considerable interest within defense circles.

From Concept to Combat: A Rapid Deployment

Whispers of this advanced "Neptune" variant began circulating approximately two years ago, yet concrete visual evidence remained elusive until recently. The breakthrough came in March 2025, when the missile underwent crucial testing, and subsequent reports confirm its active deployment in combat scenarios. The timing of its public reveal, coinciding with significant national events, underscores its importance to Ukraine's defense strategy. The national portal "Weapons" provided a glimpse in a video montage featuring various military hardware, wherein the modified missile was conspicuously present, sparking immediate analysis from experts.

Decoding the Design: What's New Under the Hood?

Defense analysts at Defense Express have confidently identified the missile, despite the lack of explicit labeling, pointing to its distinctive folded X-shaped wings as an unmistakable characteristic. While official specifications remain under wraps, the previously declared 1000 km range and its intended role in striking ground targets provide a foundational understanding of its capabilities. The rationale behind not concealing its appearance, according to Defense Express, is that since the missile has been in operational use for some time, its current form would not represent a novel revelation to adversaries.

A comparative analysis between the original and the "Long Neptune" reveals striking physical modifications. While the propulsion system and tail section are presumed to be largely unchanged, serving as a stable platform for scaling up dimensions, the central fuselage has undergone a significant transformation. The overall length appears to have increased by approximately 1.5 meters, extending to around 6 meters. Furthermore, the diameter of the missile's body has grown by about 120 mm, from 380 mm to a broader 500 mm. Interestingly, the nose cone seems to retain its original thickness. To compensate for the increased weight and potentially enhanced aerodynamic requirements of its extended range, the surface area of the empennage, and particularly the wings, has been noticeably enlarged. Details regarding the warhead remain scarce, though the un-modified version carried a payload of 150 kg.

Contextualizing the "Long Neptune" Amidst Other Developments

This development places the "Long Neptune" within a broader context of Ukraine's burgeoning missile program. Earlier reports from ITC.ua, citing the Associated Press, highlighted the development of another Ukrainian missile, the "Flamingo." In stark contrast to the "Long Neptune," the "Flamingo" reportedly boasts a three-times greater engagement range, a fundamentally different design configuration, and a seemingly larger warhead, suggesting distinct strategic roles for these emerging indigenous weapons systems.