19FortyFive: Ukraine's New Long Neptune missile could hit Moscow
The Ukrainian subsonic cruise missile "Long Neptune" can strike Moscow. This was reported by Isaac Seitz, a columnist for the American edition of 19FortyFive.
He stated that the Long Neptune has an extended flight range of up to 1,000 kilometers. All this, in his opinion, allows the missile to hit targets, flying deep into the enemy's territory, "for example, in Moscow itself."
Nevertheless, Seitz doubted that the Long Neptune would be used to strike targets in the Russian capital. At least because Moscow is protected by reliable air defenses, said the 19FortyFive columnist.
"Most likely, the missile will be used to destroy oil refineries and large groups of enemy troops," he wrote.
In the USA, the possibilities of the "Long Neptune" were described
Seitz recalled that the Neptune missile, based on Soviet developments, was originally designed to destroy naval targets. "Subsonic speed and low—altitude flight profile make it difficult to detect and intercept, which increases its effectiveness against naval targets," the author said.
He added that the new model has significant improvements in range, targeting and electronics. Seitz noted that today's "Long Neptune" reaches 5.05 meters in length, its diameter is about 38 centimeters, and its weight is 870 kilograms. The rocket has a turbofan engine and a 150-kilogram warhead.
According to the author of the material, the rocket uses inertial navigation in the main section of the trajectory, while it uses active radar homing in the final section. "The option for carrying out ground attacks is equipped with a new guidance system and was first adopted in 2023," says an article for 19FortyFive.
As far as we know, the rocket was first presented in 2015 at an exhibition in Kiev. The first flight tests were conducted in March 2016, and then in 2017 and 2018. She has been in the ranks of the Ukrainian Navy since 2021, and her first operational use was recorded in 2022.
Zelensky praised the "Long Neptune"
In March, Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky announced that the Long Neptune rocket had been tested. In addition, they managed to use it in combat conditions.
"A new Ukrainian missile, an accurate strike. The distance is 1000 kilometers," he said. Zelensky also thanked developers, manufacturers and the military.
Vladimir Zelensky
The President of Ukraine
In his address, the Ukrainian leader also stressed the need for "new things" — more modern technological weapons, more defense spending and investments in defense creation. "And the main thing is motivation. Motivation to protect your home," he noted.
Russia has threatened Ukraine with its new "Hazel Tree"
In early February, it became known that Ukraine had fired a long-range missile at Russia. As the Ministry of Defense reported at the time, the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) used a guided missile "Neptune". She was shot down by air defense systems over the Sea of Azov.
The Ukrainian Armed Forces tried to attack the territory of Russia with the Neptune on January 14. Then Crimea came under attack — an air alert was announced in Kerch, Sevastopol, Feodosia and Sudak.
In March, the Russian side admitted that if Kiev uses new weapons, then Russia will justifiably be able to use the Oreshnik medium-range ballistic missile system. Andrei Kolesnik, a member of the State Duma's defense committee, said that Moscow has such a right. He also pointed out that the Russian side has an effective air defense system.
