Ukrainian Long Neptune Rocket: Facts & Goals
- Teh new missile coudl shift the strategic balance, but experts caution against overestimating its impact.
- Ukraine has developed a long-range rocket,reportedly capable of reaching targets up to 1,000 kilometers.
- Ukrainian President Volodimir zelenski announced the successful testing and combat deployment of the Long Neptune rocket on the Telegram platform.
Ukraine Develops Long-Range Neptune Rocket with Potential to Strike Distant Targets
Table of Contents
- Ukraine Develops Long-Range Neptune Rocket with Potential to Strike Distant Targets
- Ukraine Develops Long-Range neptune Rocket: Key Questions Answered
- What is the Long Neptune Missile?
- What is the history and evolution of the Neptune missile?
- How does the Long Neptune differ from the original Neptune missile?
- What are the potential targets for the Long Neptune?
- Can the Long Neptune replace Western-supplied weapons?
- What are the challenges in producing the Long Neptune?
- How does the Long Neptune compare to other missiles?
Teh new missile coudl shift the strategic balance, but experts caution against overestimating its impact.
Ukraine has developed a long-range rocket,reportedly capable of reaching targets up to 1,000 kilometers. This “Long Neptune” is designed to strike heavily fortified objects, including bunkers.
Ukrainian President Volodimir zelenski announced the successful testing and combat deployment of the Long Neptune rocket on the Telegram platform. He stated it is indeed a domestically produced weapon with a range of up to 1,000 kilometers.
Analysts and media reports suggest that this new rocket may have been used in the strike on a Russian oil refinery in Tuapse, a city approximately 550 km from the front lines. Experts speculate the rocket is a new modification of the P-360 “Neptune” anti-ship missile.
Neptune Modifications
The P-360 “Neptune” anti-ship missile, developed by the Kiev Design Bureau “Ray,” has been in service with the Ukrainian army since 2020.The missile system is designed to detect and destroy various classes of enemy ships. The original Neptune carries a 150-pound warhead and has a range of up to 300 kilometers.
The Neptune missile first saw combat use in early April 2022, reportedly striking the Russian frigate Admiral Essen. On April 13, 2022, two Neptune anti-ship missiles are said to have sunk the Russian cruiser Moscow.
In 2023,reports emerged of a modified Neptune capable of striking ground targets.An unnamed representative from the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense told The War Zone that this version had a range of approximately 400 km and a 350 kg warhead, 200 kg heavier than the anti-ship variant.
Experts suggest the current Long Neptune represents a further modification of the ground-based version. The key question, they say, is whether Ukraine can achieve mass production. Nikolai Sungurovsky, director of military programs at the Razumkov Centre, notes the challenges of deploying production facilities within range of Russian missiles.He hopes that collaboration with Western partners can provide technological, financial, and production solutions.
Sergei zgorer, director of the Ukrainian consulting firm Defense Express, believes Ukraine needs to match Russian production rates of 40 to 50 rockets per month. He emphasizes the experienced team behind the Neptune project.
Can Neptune Replace Western Rockets?
Before the Long Neptune,the longest-range missiles in Ukraine’s arsenal were Western-supplied ATACMS and Storm Shadow (SCALP) missiles,with ranges up to 300 kilometers. Media outlets reported that Ukraine exhausted its supply of ATACMS missiles in January 2025, and there is no confirmation of new deliveries from the United States. The number of storm Shadow (SCALP) missiles is also limited.
Experts welcome the progress of a domestic long-range rocket but caution against expecting it to fully replace Western weapons. Based on the needs of the Ukrainian army, this rocket will only be an addition to the help the West provides us,
Sungurovsky said.
Zgorer notes the importance of acquiring other missiles, such as the German Taurus. While the Taurus has a shorter range than the Long Neptune (up to 600 km), it possesses a unique penetration warhead effective against bunkers. The Taurus is also considered a highly accurate missile. The deviation from the target is only up to three meters,
the expert said.
Potential Targets for Long Neptune
Russia considers the range of Ukrainian weapons when determining potential targets, according to Sungurovsky. This applies to aircraft available at certain airports, or for some production facilities. But Russia cannot move its oil refineries, and with the advent of ‘long Neptune,’ many of them become a potential target for Ukraine,
he said.
Ukraine has previously relied on unmanned aerial vehicles to strike targets beyond 300 kilometers. There is a constant drone attacks, but a drone can carry a relatively small amount of explosives - up to 50 kg. This means that it is impractical to break through a more fortified object, even if it is attacked with several drones at the same time. It is like stretching a gun on an armored car – you can not break the armor,
one analyst said. The Long Neptune, reportedly capable of carrying up to 300 kilograms of explosives, could possibly penetrate well-fortified targets.
Ukraine Develops Long-Range neptune Rocket: Key Questions Answered
March 26, 2025
Ukraine has developed a long-range “Long Neptune” rocket capable of striking distant targets.This article provides a comprehensive overview of this new weapon, addressing key questions and providing insights from experts.
What is the Long Neptune Missile?
the Long Neptune is a long-range rocket developed by Ukraine, reportedly capable of hitting targets up to 1,000 kilometers away. It is designed to strike heavily fortified objects, including bunkers.Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced its accomplished testing and combat deployment, confirming it as a domestically produced weapon.
What is the history and evolution of the Neptune missile?
the Long Neptune is a further advancement of the P-360 Neptune anti-ship missile, originally developed by the Kyiv-based Luch Design Bureau. Here’s a timeline of its evolution:
- 2020: The P-360 Neptune anti-ship missile enters service with the Ukrainian army.
- April 2022: The Neptune missile is used in combat, reportedly striking the Russian frigate Admiral Essen and sinking the cruiser Moscow.
- 2023: Reports emerge of a modified Neptune capable of striking ground targets, with an estimated range of 400 km and a 350 kg warhead.
- Present: The Long Neptune represents a further modification of the ground-based version, with an increased range of up to 1,000 km.
How does the Long Neptune differ from the original Neptune missile?
The Long Neptune is a significant upgrade from the original P-360 Neptune anti-ship missile. The key differences lie in:
- Range: The original Neptune had a range of up to 300 kilometers, while the Long Neptune boasts a range of up to 1,000 kilometers.
- Target Capability: The Long Neptune is designed to strike both naval and ground targets, including heavily fortified objects.
- Warhead: The Long Neptune can likely carry a heavier warhead than the original Neptune anti-ship missile.
What are the potential targets for the Long Neptune?
With its extended range, the Long Neptune opens up a wider array of potential targets for Ukraine. According to Nikolai Sungurovsky, director of military programs at the Razumkov center, Russia’s consideration of Ukraine’s weapon ranges makes it a potential target for Ukraine. some potential targets include:
- Oil Refineries: As identified by Sungurovsky, Russian oil refineries become vulnerable targets with a longer-range missile.
- Military Infrastructure: The Long Neptune could be used against aircraft available at certain airports and several production facilities .
- Heavily Fortified Objects: The missile’s design allows it to penetrate bunkers and other fortified targets.
Can the Long Neptune replace Western-supplied weapons?
While the Long Neptune is a significant achievement for Ukraine, experts caution against expecting it to fully replace Western-supplied weapons. Sungurovsky stated that the rocket will add to the help that the West provides. before the Long Neptune, the longest-range missiles in Ukraine’s arsenal were Western-supplied ATACMS and Storm Shadow (SCALP) missiles, with ranges up to 300 kilometers.
It’s critically important to recognize that the Long Neptune is a step towards greater self-reliance. Sergei Zgoret, director of the Ukrainian consulting firm Defense Express, believes that Ukraine needs to match Russian production rates.
What are the challenges in producing the Long Neptune?
one of the key challenges is the issue of mass production. As Nikolai Sungurovsky points out, production facilities can be at risk from Russian forces and must be safely deployed. Sergei Zgoret emphasizes the importance of reaching production levels of 40 to 50 rockets per month.
How does the Long Neptune compare to other missiles?
The Long Neptune offers unique capabilities.Here’s a comparison of the Neptune long-range missile with other weapons:
| missile | Range | Warhead (Estimated) | Potential Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| Long Neptune | Up to 1,000 km | Up to 300 kg explosives | Domestic production, Long range, designed to strike heavily fortified objects |
| Storm Shadow (SCALP) | Up to 300 km | Unknown | penetration warhead effective against bunkers |
| Taurus | Up to 600 km | Unknown | High accuracy |