Ukraine has ramped up production of its indigenous R-360 Neptune cruise missiles, with plans to increase its range.
A total of 100 R-360s have already been produced in 2024, Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said earlier this week.
Also being developed are new missile drones, including the Palianytsia, he added.
“Additionally, new missile drones are being developed, including the Palianytsia, a shining example of collaboration between the state and the private sector,” Umerov said on Monday following a meeting with Ukrainian missile manufacturers.
“We are also advancing partnerships with international allies in this field.”
Long-Range Ramp Up
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the next day that the country aims to produce 30,000 long-range drones and 3,000 cruise missiles in 2025.
He said in October that the US is preparing an aid package worth $700 to 800 million to support Ukraine’s domestic production of long-range weapons capabilities.
R-360 Neptune
An anti-ship missile originally, the R-360 was later modified for land-attack roles, featuring a larger payload of 350 kilograms (771 pounds) against the previous 150 kilograms (330 pounds).
A pair of anti-ship R-360s sank the flagship of the Russian Navy’s Black Sea fleet, Moskva, in April 2022.
Ukraine later began deploying the modified version to take out a range of high-value Russian targets, such as S-400 air-defense batteries.
Both versions are launched from the same launcher and recent upgrades have enhanced their range by 100 kilometers (62 miles) to 400 kilometers (248 miles).
Efforts are underway to further increase its range to 1,000 kilometers (621 miles).
Ukraine’s Luch Design Bureau developed the missile based on the Soviet Kh-35 missile design. It has been in service since 2021.