Ukraine Claims Successful Combat Test of Long-Range Neptune Missile.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced the successful combat testing of Ukraine’s new Long Neptune missile, boasting a range of 1,000 kilometers (621 miles). This development places Moscow within striking distance and signifies a significant advancement in Ukraine’s domestic missile program, aimed at bolstering its defense capabilities against Russian aggression.

Zelenskyy lauded the “significant results” achieved and expressed gratitude to Ukrainian developers, manufacturers, and the military. He stated that the Long Neptune, an evolution of the missile used to sink the Russian Black Sea Fleet flagship Moskva in 2022, had been “tested and successfully used in combat.”

While not officially confirmed, speculation on Ukrainian Telegram channels suggests the Long Neptune may have been utilized in the recent strike on the Tuapse Oil refinery. This claim, if substantiated, would mark a potent demonstration of the missile’s operational effectiveness.

The deployment of the Long Neptune represents a notable escalation in Ukraine’s defense posture and adds a new dimension to the ongoing conflict. Its range capabilities could significantly impact strategic planning and operational considerations for both sides.