Ukrainian cruise missiles: from development to effective combat deployment

The Neptune coastal missile system is one of the key assets in Ukraine’s missile program. This long-range weapon has demonstrated its effectiveness through several significant strikes on russian military targets at sea and on land.

The system was developed to control territorial waters and strait zones, protect naval bases, other coastal facilities, and shoreline infrastructure. It was intended to defend coastal areas vulnerable to amphibious assault and to strike enemy warships, including cruisers, destroyers, frigates, corvettes, and amphibious assault ships.

Ukrainian cruise missiles captured global attention after successfully striking high-value targets of the russian navy. The first combat use of the Neptune is believed to be the strike on the frigate Admiral Essen in early April 2022. On April 13, 2022, two anti-ship missiles successfully struck the flagship of the russian Black Sea Fleet, the cruiser Moskva, sending it to the bottom of the Black Sea.

Ukrainian-designed cruise missiles have proven effective in both favorable and adverse weather conditions, day or night, even under active enemy fire and electronic countermeasures.

The Ministry of Defence of Ukraine initiated the project in 2013 to strengthen the operational capabilities of the Ukrainian Navy. The system was adopted into service by order of the Ministry of Defence in 2020 and has proven its combat capabilities in operational conditions.

The system comprises standardized launchers, loader vehicles, transport vehicles, and a mobile command vehicle.

To date, official reports confirm that a significant number of enemy targets have been struck by cruise missiles developed by Ukraine's defense industry. Notably, continued upgrades and enhancements have extended the missile’s capability to strike both naval and ground targets. Specifically, confirmed strikes include the destruction of russian surface-to-air missile (SAM) systems and key military infrastructure located deep in the enemy’s rear.