“As to the question of when – next year, I think. As to how many, I would say that there will be three divisions of coastal missile battalions: two in the Black Sea and one in the Sea of Azov,” Alexei Neizhpapa said.

“The main task now is to get the Neptunes as soon as possible and to use them wisely,” he added.

Ukraine previously successfully launched its Neptune R-360 missile at a proving ground in Odessa area.

The RK-360MC Neptunis an anti-ship missile system in Ukraine. Luch design office developed it. It uses R-360 anti-ship cruise missile, Russian Kh-35 version. It is generally similar to the Kh-35U, but it has a longer body with more fuel, bigger booster, and a few other changes.

The  missile was reportedly lacking guidance system at the time. This missile has a maximum range of 280 km. It can be carried and launched from platforms of naval, land, and air. The Neptun anti-ship missile production was finalized in 2019.

On the terminal stage of their flight, the Neptun will have and inertial navigation system with active radar homing. Ukraine is currently facing problems designing the missile's radar. The missile will travel over the surface from 10-15 metres.

Maritime Business World