Core Missile Information: “Long neptune” (Extended Range Ukrainian Cruise Missile)
Here’s a breakdown of the key information about the “Long Neptune” missile, based on the provided text:
What it is indeed:
An elongated version of the Ukrainian “Neptune” anti-ship missile (original Neptune is 5 meters long).
A cruise missile designed to hit ground targets.
Developed by Ukraine.
Key Characteristics (based on analysis & reports):
Range: Up to 1000 km (approximately 621 miles).
Length: Exceeds 6 meters (approximately 19.7 feet) – about 1.5 meters longer than the original Neptune.
Diameter: Increased to approximately 50 cm (19.7 inches) in the central fuselage, compared to 38 cm (15 inches) in the original Neptune. The nose cone diameter remains the same.
Wings & Tail: Increased in area to compensate for increased takeoff mass.
Warhead: Weight of the warhead for the new version is currently unknown, but the original Neptune had a 150 kg (331 lbs) warhead. Appearance: Features characteristic X-shaped complex wings.
Development & Deployment:
Creation was reported in november 2023.
tested in March (showed 1000km range capability).
First publicly shown (likely) in a video on Ukraine’s “Zbroy” official account on Independence Day. The video used footage from Neptune tests in 2018-2020.
Reportedly already used in combat against Russia as of March (prior to public reveal).
Significance:
Represents an expansion of Ukraine’s domestic weapons capabilities. The “Zbroy” platform is intended to be a central brand for Ukrainian weapons and a resource for manufacturers.
The original “Neptune” missile was famously used to sink the Russian Black Sea Fleet flagship “Moscow” in April 2022.