With no official designation for the new model yet, social media users have dubbed it “Chubby Neptune,” on account of its shape.
Photos posted by Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal show the R-360 missile with a noticeably thicker fuselage. Analysts say this variant differs from the standard anti-ship R-360 and the longer-range “Long Neptune” (likely designated R-360L). Although the camera angle makes direct comparison difficult, experts believe the Chubby Neptune retains the 38-centimeter diameter of the original and measures about 4.5 meters long, with a similar wingspan.
The bulges along the body are likely additional fuel tanks to extend the missile’s range. The standard R-360 can strike targets up to 280 kilometers away, while the Long Neptune reaches 1,000 kilometers. The new model may achieve an intermediate range of about 500 kilometers.
Alternatively, analysts suggest the variant could carry a larger high-explosive warhead—more than 150 kilograms—at the expense of fuel capacity, yielding a range near 300 kilometers. By comparison, the Long Neptune’s warhead weighs around 260 kilograms.
The report noted that showcasing the new development to European partners suggests Ukraine is hoping to attract foreign investment to expand its production.