In addition to the Neptunes, Kyiv now has HIMARS, Harpoons and Storm Shadows to strengthen its arsenal against Russia.
However, the turning point came in April 2022, when the Russian flagship Moskva sank to the bottom of the sea.
Neptune: The weapon responsible for the sinking
The weapon behind this feat was the Ukrainian-developed Neptune anti-ship cruise missile. Although the Kremlin has denied responsibility for the naval attack, Western sources have confirmed the involvement of at least one Neptune missile.
Two Neptune R-360 anti-ship shells hit the Moskva directly, starting a fire that ultimately led to its disappearance. This event marked a turning point in the invasion and paved the way for further Ukrainian advances.
Origin and characteristics of the Neptune
The Neptune missile made its debut at the 2015 Arms and Security international exhibition in Kyiv, though its conception dates back to Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea. Developed by Kyiv-based Luch Design Bureau, the Neptune features improvements over its Russian counterpart, the Kh-35.
At 16 feet long and weighing nearly 2,000 pounds, the Neptune can be carried and launched from various platforms. Its range reaches 280 kilometers, and despite its subsonic speed, it can evade enemy radar by flying at low altitude. In addition, Ukraine has manufactured six USPU-360 mobile launchers, each capable of firing four Neptune missiles, supported by transport vehicles and other equipment.
The fatal mistake and the Russian confidence
According to a Ukrainian scientist involved in the development of the Neptune, it was the carelessness of the Moskva operators that led to its demise.
The lack of awareness of being detected from the air or the shore, combined with anti-aircraft defense systems and other protection systems on board, led the Russian ship to sail up to 120 kilometers from the Ukrainian coast. This overconfidence resulted in its downfall.
The growing power of Ukraine
In the past fourteen months of the war, NATO member states have supplied Ukraine with a variety of Western-made long-range systems.
In addition to the Neptunes, Kyiv now has HIMARS, Harpoons and Storm Shadows to strengthen its arsenal. Putin’s Navy has suffered a major blow with the Neptune, the missile destroyer designed to engage his most important warships.
FAQ
1. What is the Neptune anti-ship cruise missile?
The Neptune anti-ship cruise missile is a weapon developed by the Kyiv-based Luch Design Bureau in Ukraine. It made its debut at the 2015 Arms and Security international exhibition in Kyiv. The missile is an improvement over its Russian counterpart, the Kh-35, and is designed to target enemy naval vessels.
2. How did the Neptune missile contribute to the turning point in the Russian invasion of Ukraine?
The Neptune missile played a crucial role in the turning point of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in April 2022. During a naval attack, two Neptune R-360 anti-ship missiles hit the Russian flagship Moskva, causing a fire that led to the ship’s sinking. This event marked a significant blow to Putin’s Navy and paved the way for further Ukrainian advances.
3. What are the characteristics of the Neptune anti-ship cruise missile?
The Neptune missile is approximately 16 feet long and weighs nearly 2,000 pounds. It can be launched from various platforms and has a range of 280 kilometers. Despite its subsonic speed, the Neptune can evade enemy radar by flying at low altitudes. Ukraine has manufactured six USPU-360 mobile launchers, each capable of firing four Neptune missiles and supporting transport vehicles and equipment.
4. What was the fatal mistake that led to the sinking of the Russian flagship Moskva?
According to a Ukrainian scientist involved in the development of the Neptune missile, the downfall of the Russian flagship Moskva was due to the carelessness of its operators. The lack of awareness of being detected from the air or the shore, combined with reliance on anti-aircraft defense systems and other protection systems on board, led the ship to sail up to 120 kilometers from the Ukrainian coast, making it vulnerable to the Neptune missile attack.
5. What other Western-made long-range systems has Kyiv received during the war?
Over the past fourteen months of the war, NATO member states have supplied Ukraine with a variety of Western-made long-range systems to strengthen its arsenal. Besides the Neptune anti-ship cruise missile, Kyiv has received HIMARS (High Mobility Artillery Rocket System), Harpoons (anti-ship missiles), and Storm Shadows (air-launched cruise missiles) to enhance its defensive capabilities against the Russian invasion.
