The ongoing conflict in Ukraine saw another escalation on Thursday, as the Russian Ministry of Defense reported a strike that destroyed a Ukrainian missile system in the Zaporizhzhia region.
This latest attack underscores the continuing intensity of military operations in eastern Ukraine and the high-stakes nature of targeting advanced weapons systems.
The Strike That Shook the Region
According to the Russian Defense Ministry, the strike targeted a Ukrainian Neptune missile launcher near the small settlement of Lyubytske.
The attack was carried out using a Russian Iskander operational-tactical missile, equipped with a high-explosive warhead designed for precision strikes.
In its statement, the ministry claimed:
“As a result of the strike by an Iskander operational-tactical missile with a high-explosive warhead, the Neptune missile system was completely destroyed together with its combat crew of ten Ukrainian servicemen.”
Alongside the statement, the ministry released video footage of the strike on its official Telegram channel, showing the missile system being obliterated.
Understanding the Neptune Missile System
The R-360 Neptune is a subsonic cruise missile developed by Ukraine’s Luch Design Bureau in Kyiv.
Originally designed as an anti-ship missile, it has been adapted for land-attack missions in recent years.
Its design is based on the Soviet-era Kh-35 missile but includes significant improvements in range, targeting, and electronics.
The missile can strike targets over 200 kilometres away and is capable of neutralizing surface warships or transport vessels of up to 9,000 tonnes, whether moving alone or in convoys.
The Evolution of the Neptune
The Neptune system entered service with the Ukrainian Navy in March 2021, with its first operational deployment recorded in 2022.
A land-attack variant equipped with a new guidance system was first fielded in 2023.
The extended-range version, known as “Long Neptune,” reportedly has a claimed range of 1,000 kilometres and was first used this year, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
This strike highlights the vulnerability of even advanced missile systems in modern warfare and reflects the high level of precision employed in ongoing military operations in the region.
