Ukraine may gain European backing for a new long-range missile project designed to expand the capabilities of the Neptune cruise missile and reach targets deep inside Russia, Voennoye Obozreniye reported, citing Ukrainian media and experts.
The possible cooperation is linked to a memorandum signed by European missile systems manufacturer MBDA and the Ukrainian Luch design bureau. According to Ukrainian media, MBDA, one of Europe’s leading missile developers, could assist Ukrainian specialists in upgrading the anti-ship Neptune and developing a longer-range strike system based on it.
This version is being referred to provisionally as Neptune-2, though other missile modifications are also under discussion.
Experts say the involvement of a European developer in Ukraine’s missile programs could give Kiev access to European technology and production capacity.
MBDA has presented the memorandum as part of its support for Ukraine.