European missile manufacturer MBDA has signed a memorandum of understanding with Ukraine's State Design Bureau Luch to jointly develop the Neptune2 cruise missile, according to an announcement. The partnership is described as enhancing Ukraine's deep strike capabilities and advancing strategic defense cooperation between the two entities.
European missile house MBDA and Ukraine's state-owned Luch design bureau have signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop the Neptune2 cruise missile, marking a new phase in Ukraine's effort to build a sovereign deep-strike capability. The Neptune series originated with the Neptune (P-360) anti-ship missile, adapted after the outbreak of the full-scale war for land-attack roles against Russian ground targets. The Neptune2 variant is expected to extend range and payload. The MoU was announced by MBDA but was not accompanied by immediate financial or production timeline details. The partnership follows a pattern of Western defense companies forming industrial ties with Ukrainian state enterprises to produce weapons on Ukrainian soil, reducing reliance on direct donations and enabling serial production. Ukraine's Luch bureau has previously developed land-attack versions of the Neptune, the Korshun cruise missile, and the Vilkha guided rocket. As The Zioneer has reported, Ukraine is increasingly focused on expanding its domestic missile arsenal to reach targets deep inside Russia. The announcement does not specify a completion date, production location, or funding source — these remain open as of this briefing.
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