The Neptune missile is named after the ancient Roman god of the sea and was developed based on the Kh-35, a subsonic anti-ship cruise missile that the Soviet Union began producing in 1972.
Ukraine’s Neptune missile.
Kh-35 subsonic anti-ship cruise missile, the predecessor of the Neptune missile.
According to the design specifications, the Kh-35 missile can be launched from a specialized truck and is capable of striking a target with a warhead weighing nearly 150 kg from a distance of up to 120 km. The Kh-35 can fly close to the water at a speed of approximately 1080 km/h, specifically designed to target moving ships. To approach its target, the Kh-35 first activates its inertial navigation system to determine its own position, then uses radar to identify the target’s location. Although the Kh-35 originated from the Soviet Union, it was not until 2003 that this missile was officially inducted into service in the Russian Federation.
The Luch Design Bureau in Ukraine began developing the Neptune missile in 2013, aiming for testing by 2016.
According to documents from the Luch Design Bureau in 2020: “The Neptune missile is designed to defeat naval vessels such as cruisers, small destroyers, frigates, air-cushion landing ships, landing ships, and independent operational units. Neptune is also designed to operate in all weather conditions, both day and night, regardless of enemy countermeasures such as jamming or weapon attacks.”
Preliminary reports indicate that the 9-year process from the start of design to the sinking of the Moskva has been remarkably successful. The missile boasts an extensive range and formidable striking power, especially when used in pairs, making them reportedly “invincible” against any adversary.
Russian cruiser Moskva.
In naval warfare circles, Neptune missiles are considered part of the “Anti-Access/Area Denial” strategy. Essentially, this strategy employs missiles like Neptune to threaten vessels that enter their range. Any naval force wishing to penetrate disputed areas will need to neutralize anti-ship missiles or possess superior defensive capabilities.
Weaknesses of the Neptune Missile
Despite numerous advantages, the Neptune missiles also have specific limitations. They can only strike from offshore. Additionally, many modern ships are equipped with missile jamming devices, or other anti-ship missiles that can partially hinder Neptune’s operations. Emerging technologies such as directed energy or laser weapons could potentially defeat this missile in the near future.
Neptune launchers are specialized trucks.
Another way to avoid being hit by Neptune is to operate outside its maximum range. This appears to be the tactic employed by the Russian Black Sea Fleet immediately after the Moskva was shot down. On the other hand, Russia is also mobilizing warships along with cruise missiles to target objectives further inland.
Another vulnerability of the Neptune is its launch platform, the specialized trucks. Due to the heavy missiles they carry, these vehicles are difficult to move quickly to evade targeting. Once the launch platform is compromised, the Neptune cannot be deployed.
Of course, a ship can only destroy the launch platform of another missile if it is equipped with its own missiles. Additionally, these ships require reconnaissance aircraft support to direct fire and engage ground-launched missiles.
