German company MBDA to assist Ukraine in developing Neptune-2 cruise missile
German company MBDA has signed a memorandum of understanding with Luch, a Ukrainian armaments design office.
Source: MBDA in a press release
Quote: "The agreement will focus on further development of the Neptune cruise missile. Luch and MBDA will pursue disruptive innovation to develop the deep strike capability for Neptune-2 while advancing strategic defence cooperation with Ukraine."
Details: MBDA said it has the technologies, expertise and partnerships needed to supply European-developed deep-strike systems and technologies to partner countries, "enabling our armed forces to defend our values and freedoms".
For its part, Luch possesses specific knowledge, skills and experience in the design, development, integration and production of integrated weapon systems.
For reference: The R-360 Neptune is a Ukrainian-developed cruise missile derived from the Soviet-era Kh-35 Zvezda, incorporating extended range and upgraded modernised electronics. Development of the system by Luch began after Russia's annexation of Crimea in 2014.
The R-360 Neptune is designed for anti-ship engagements against vessels with a displacement of up to 5,000 tonnes and, like other systems in its class, can be deployed from land, surface, and air platforms. In April 2022, the missile was used in the strike that sank the Russian cruiser Moskva.
Background: At the end of 2025, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed that Ukraine is also deploying an upgraded "Long Neptune" variant. The Neptune-D system operates with RK360L cruise missiles, featuring a reported range of up to 1,000 km and a 260kg warhead. The system is designed for strikes against both land and maritime targets.
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