Long-Range Neptune Cruise Missile Unveiled With Larger Size and New Design

The first official video of the Long Neptune cruise missile has appeared online. The missile has increased dimensions and a slightly modified design.

The Ukrainian defense industry portal Zbroya.ua published the video.

The footage shows the missile in full size, allowing for a superficial comparison with the standard R-360 Neptune anti-ship missile.

The most noticeable change is the increased size. This is due to the use of a larger amount of fuel and, likely, explosives, which has resulted in an increased diameter and length of the missile.

Since the declared range of the missile is 1,000 km, the claim about the increased fuel capacity is accurate, as it ensures a significant extension of flight range at cruising speed.

Meanwhile, the missile’s nose section has changed, likely due to the enlargement of the warhead and the missile’s guidance system.

As previously reported, a representative of the Ukrainian defense ministry, speaking on condition of anonymity in August 2023, told The War Zone that the Long Neptune could be launched from the same launcher as the earlier anti-ship version of that cruise missile, R-360 Neptune.

Additionally, they reported that the missile had received an updated guidance system. An improved satellite positioning system was installed for navigation during the cruise phase of flight.

Meanwhile, in the final phase of flight, guidance is carried out using an infrared homing system.

Ukrainian engineers chose a path of rapid modernization, so the missile did not undergo major changes: it is noticeable that the control surfaces have been enlarged, which improved maneuverability due to the missile’s increased overall weight.

In March 2025, it was reported that Ukraine’s defense sector had increased the range of the Neptune cruise missile. The Ukrainian missile is now capable of striking at 1,000 kilometers.

At that time, it was also confirmed that the Long Neptune had already undergone testing and successful combat use with precise hits.