Ukraine’s new Long Neptune cruise missile strikes Russian targets
Fire at oil refinery in Tuapse on March 14 (Photo: Astra/Telegram)
Ukraine has developed and successfully used a new long-range cruise missile, the 'Long Neptune,' against Russian targets, Forbes military analyst David Axe reported on March 15.
The Long Neptune is an extended version of Ukraine’s Neptune anti-ship cruise missile, now measuring 5 meters in length.
Neptune missile program evolves
The original Neptune missile, developed by Ukrainian defense company Luch Design Bureau, made global headlines in 2022 when it sank the Russian Black Sea Fleet flagship, the Moskva.
Axe referenced Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who stated on March 15 that he had received reports on Ukraine’s missile program, confirming "significant results."
"The new Ukrainian missile delivered a precise strike. Range—1,000 km," Zelenskyy said.
Axe suggests that the first successful deployment of the Long Neptune likely took place on March 14, when an attack targeted an oil refinery in Tuapse, Russia, about 480 km from the front lines.
Strategic importance of Long Neptune
Axe emphasized that the Long Neptune is a critical weapon for Ukraine as it reduces Kyiv’s dependence on U.S. and European military aid.
He noted that under President Donald Trump, the U.S. has become an unreliable ally at best, while Europe lacks the production capacity to supply Ukraine with enough modern cruise missiles.
Despite Trump pressuring Ukraine toward a ceasefire that would favor Russia, Zelenskyy’s administration is preparing for continued war and strikes deep into Russian territory, Axe concluded.
Neptune missile background
The Neptune is a subsonic cruise missile developed by Ukraine's Luch Design Bureau.
First unveiled at the 2015 Arms and Security exhibition in Kyiv
Entered service with Ukraine’s Navy in 2021
Weighs 870 kg, 5.05 meters in length
Designed to target ships up to 9,000 tons
Effective range: 200+ km
Can engage both naval and land targets
Equipped with a Motor Sich MS400 turbofan engine and advanced guidance systems
First unveiled at the 2015 Arms and Security exhibition in Kyiv
Entered service with Ukraine’s Navy in 2021
Weighs 870 kg, 5.05 meters in length
Designed to target ships up to 9,000 tons
Effective range: 200+ km
Can engage both naval and land targets
Equipped with a Motor Sich MS400 turbofan engine and advanced guidance systems
First unveiled at the 2015 Arms and Security exhibition in Kyiv
Entered service with Ukraine’s Navy in 2021
Weighs 870 kg, 5.05 meters in length
Designed to target ships up to 9,000 tons
Effective range: 200+ km
Can engage both naval and land targets
Equipped with a Motor Sich MS400 turbofan engine and advanced guidance systems
The Long Neptune is a modified version of the original Neptune, enhanced for long-range strikes against land-based targets deep inside Russian territory.
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