> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.battlepolicy.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Storm Shadow maker MBDA signs on to develop Ukraine's Neptune-2 cruise missile - URL: https://www.battlepolicy.com/storm-shadow-maker-mbda-signs-on-to-develop-ukraines-neptune-2-cruise-missile/ - Published: 2026-06-17T15:08:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-08-10T12:37:30.000Z - Description: Europe's largest missile house is co-developing a sovereign Ukrainian deep-strike weapon, not donating range-capped Western stock, a shift in how the continent arms Kyiv. - Author: Marcus Schuler - Tags: Ukraine, Europe, #daily-brief, mbda, Luch Design Bureau, Neptune-2, Storm Shadow *Europe's largest missile maker will help build a Ukrainian deep-strike missile rather than donate a Western one, the second such MBDA-Kyiv deal this month.* MBDA, the pan-European maker of the [Storm Shadow](https://www.battlepolicy.com/storm-shadow/) cruise missile, signed a memorandum of understanding with Ukraine's state Luch Design Bureau to jointly develop the Neptune-2 cruise missile, [MBDA](https://www.mbda-systems.com/mbda-develop-neptune2-cruise-missile-luch?ref=battlepolicy.com) announced June 16. Luch built the original [R-360 Neptune](https://www.battlepolicy.com/r-360-neptune/), the anti-ship missile that sank the cruiser Moskva in April 2022\. That round carried a 150-kilogram warhead about 280 kilometers. The land-attack "Long Neptune" now in service reaches a reported 1,000 kilometers with a 260-kilogram warhead, [Militarnyi](https://militarnyi.com/en/news/mbda-ukraine-new-neptune-2-cruise-missile/?ref=battlepolicy.com) wrote. Neptunes struck weapons storage in Sevastopol on June 11 and disabled two units at the Novoshakhtinsk refinery in Russia's Rostov region on the night of May 31, per [Liga.net](https://biz.liga.net/en/other-industries/news/mbda-and-kb-luch-to-develop-neptune-2-long-range-strike-system?ref=battlepolicy.com). The MoU sets no specifications for the Neptune-2 and funds no production. MBDA and Luch will "pursue disruptive innovation to develop the deep strike capability for Neptune-2," the company said. MBDA is jointly owned by Airbus, BAE Systems, and Leonardo. Ukraine already fires its Storm Shadow. A co-developed missile sidesteps the range limits and political conditions on donated ATACMS and Storm Shadow. Ukraine keeps the design; MBDA gains combat-tested intellectual property and a wartime production line. The company signed a separate MoU with Ukrainian Armor on deep-strike and counter-drone systems on June 10. Field Dispatch · Weekly Stay ahead of the defense-tech war. The battlefield and the startup story — free in your inbox every week. No paywall. [Subscribe Free →](https://www.battlepolicy.com/subscribe/) Whether the memorandum becomes a funded, specified program is the next marker. Luch built the original Neptune for about $36 million, General Serhiy Kryvonos has said. Its missiles already reach Russian refineries. Frequently Asked Questions What did MBDA and Luch agree to? MBDA and Ukraine's state Luch Design Bureau signed a memorandum of understanding to jointly develop the Neptune-2 cruise missile, MBDA announced on June 16\. The two said they would "pursue disruptive innovation to develop the deep strike capability for Neptune-2." What is the Neptune missile? The R-360 Neptune is a Ukrainian cruise missile built by Luch. It began as an anti-ship weapon and sank the Russian cruiser Moskva in April 2022. How far does the Neptune reach? The original anti-ship version carried a 150-kilogram warhead about 280 kilometers. The land-attack "Long Neptune" now in service reaches a reported 1,000 kilometers with a 260-kilogram warhead, per Militarnyi. Does the deal commit any production? No. The memorandum sets no specifications for the Neptune-2 and funds no production. It is a co-development understanding rather than a manufacturing contract. Why does the partnership matter? A co-developed Ukrainian missile sidesteps the range limits and political conditions attached to donated ATACMS and Storm Shadow. It follows a separate June 10 MBDA memorandum with Ukrainian Armor on deep-strike and counter-drone systems. AI-generated summary, reviewed by an editor. [More on our AI guidelines](https://www.battlepolicy.com/ai-guidelines/).