Ukraine is working on modifications of subsonic cruise missiles "Neptune", which can be used to strike Moscow and other targets in Russia. This was reported to the American edition of The Drive on condition of anonymity by a Ukrainian official.
According to him, the Ukrainian side, due to the existing restrictions for strikes against targets inside Russia, cannot use Western weapons. The publication reminds that currently the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) are launching anti-ship missiles "Neptune" from ground installations.
According to The Drive, the correction of the missile trajectory is carried out by means of the Global Positioning System (GPS), whereas when approaching the end point, an infrared homing head (HOMING) is used, in whose memory the image of the target is preloaded. The publication notes that such a method of guidance on the final section of the trajectory makes the missile practically invulnerable to electronic warfare (EW).
According to the Ukrainian official, currently the range of the Neptune, launched from a ground installation and equipped with a 350-kilogram warhead, is 400 kilometers. "If this is true, it will be the longest-range and most powerful strike missile created by Ukraine. However, we do not have the opportunity to independently verify these allegations," the publication admits.
The interlocutor of The Drive notes that Ukraine has produced only a couple of dozen "Neptunes". The source also acknowledges the ability of Russian air defense systems to shoot down these missiles. According to him, the Neptune rocket will be modified to attack Moscow. In particular, it is planned to reduce the mass of the missile warhead and increase its fuel volume. "This will increase the range and allow for a strike on Moscow," the official said.
Earlier, the Russian Defense Ministry first reported on the interception of the Ukrainian anti-ship missile "Neptune".