Zbroya, the Ukrainian government's defense portal, released a video on 24/8 showcasing several Ukrainian weapons systems to commemorate Independence Day. Among them was an extended-range version of the R-360 Neptune cruise missile, identifiable by its distinctive X-shaped folding wings.

This marks the first time Ukraine has publicly shown the extended-range Neptune since the upgrade project began in late 2023. The Neptune launch shown in the video is archival footage from tests conducted between 2018 and 2020, not the new variant.

Observers estimate, based on the video, that the upgraded Neptune is over 6 m long without the booster, approximately one meter longer than the original version. The fuselage diameter has also increased from 0.38 m to 0.5 m. This larger size is believed to accommodate additional fuel, extending the missile's range.

Specific technical details of the extended-range Neptune remain undisclosed, except that it is designed for ground attack.

Developed by Ukraine's Luch Design Bureau, the Neptune is based on the Soviet-era 3M24 Uran missile but features improved range and electronics. It has struck several key Russian targets during the conflict, most notably sinking the cruiser Moskva, flagship of Russia's Black Sea Fleet, in 4/2022.

The original Neptune is over 5 m long, weighs 870 kg, carries a 150 kg warhead, and has a range of about 300 km.

The anti-ship version of the Neptune uses inertial guidance to reach the designated area, then activates an active radar seeker to locate and engage the target. The land-attack variant is equipped with GPS and an infrared sensor.

In 12/2023, Lieutenant General Ivan Havrylyuk, then-Deputy Defense Minister of Ukraine, revealed that Kyiv was developing an upgraded version of the Neptune, dubbed "Neptune Extended Range". In March, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky announced that this variant had passed testing and could hit targets up to 1,000 km away, more than three times the original range.

Neptune missile launch during a test in 5/2020. Photo: *Ukraine Ministry of Defense*

Developing and producing long-range weapons domestically is a key element of Ukraine's defense strategy amid increased Russian attacks and limitations on Western military aid.

President Zelensky confirmed last week that Ukraine has developed a new domestic missile with a 3,000 km range, named Flamingo, adding that mass production is expected to begin late this year or early next year.

Manufacturer Fire Point states the Flamingo missile has a 1,150 kg warhead and is currently being produced at a rate of about one missile per day. The company aims to increase production at least sevenfold by October.

Pham Giang (*RBC Ukraine, AP*)