Using his Telegram social media account, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that his country’s Navy has successfully completed combat testing of the new extended-range version of its Neptune coastal defense missile. According to his statement, this is an advanced platform with an estimated range of 1,000 kilometers, providing Ukraine with new long-range strike capabilities as it continues its war with Russia, which has been ongoing since 2022.
Quoting the Ukrainian president: “Today, there were also reports on our missile program. We have significant results. ‘Long Neptune’ has been tested and successfully used in combat. It is a new Ukrainian missile, with precise strike capabilities. The distance it can cover is 1,000 kilometers. Thanks to our developers, manufacturers, and Ukrainian military personnel. We continue working to ensure Ukraine’s security.”
Expanding on the details of this new weapon, the Long Neptune missile features an extended length and an increased fuel capacity compared to its predecessor. The original Neptune missile, which gained notoriety for its role in sinking the Russian Black Sea Fleet’s flagship, the Moskva, had only one-fifth of the range of this new version. Additionally, with its successful combat record, the missile is reportedly part of Ukraine’s defense industry plans to produce and deliver over 100,000 long-range projectiles in 2025.
Regarding its prior use in combat, a Forbes report published last week indicates that the Ukrainian Armed Forces deployed Long Neptune missiles in an attack on Russian oil refineries in the Tuapse region—located approximately 480 kilometers from the shared border. This operation appears to be the milestone Zelensky celebrated in his official statement. The attack is part of a broader Ukrainian campaign targeting Russian oil infrastructure, which, according to Western estimates, led to a 10% reduction in Russia’s oil production during 2024.
There are also potential earlier instances of Long Neptune usage. In October, Ukrainian Navy spokesperson Dmytro Pletenchuk hinted at the employment of a new long-range missile in attacks against a Russian ammunition depot in Kursk. At the time, he stated: “We can only confirm the involvement of the Naval Forces without disclosing details. Previous incidents, both in Yeisk and the port of Kavkaz, suggest that our naval weapons have a fairly large operational range.”
For now, the introduction of this new weapon system is not the only recent development announced by the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Among other additions are new attack drones and air defense systems. As we reported earlier this month, Kyiv unveiled images of its new SETH unmanned aerial systems being used by infantry units, notable for their design similarities to the Iranian-made Shahed drone. Additionally, new images have surfaced of Ukraine’s unique short-range air defense system, known as FrankenSAM, which is based on Russian-origin Buk-M1 platforms and integrates U.S.-supplied RIM-7 Sea Sparrow missiles.
Images used for illustrative purposes.
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