How the Moskva Was Sunk: Meet Ukraine’s Neptune Anti-Ship Missile

Описание: How The Moskva Was Sunk: Meet Ukraine’s Neptune Anti-Ship Missile

According to a senior US defense official who briefed reporters on Friday, the Russian Black Fleet flagship, Moskva, which sank on Thursday, was hit by a new type of Ukrainian missile. Russia claims the Moskva was damaged in a fire.

The ship was hit by at least one Neptune missile, according to a senior US defense official, and there are likely casualties. Russian authorities said the crew which is believed to be around 500 sailors, was evacuated when a fire broke out and triggered ammunition explosions. However, the extent of the injuries and deaths is not known to the public.

This would be the first known use of the Neptune missile system, as well as Ukraine's most significant naval strike against Russia in the war.

The Neptune is Ukraine's first domestically produced medium-range cruise missile, designed to be used against warships such as the Moskva. It is an updated version of the Soviet-era KH-25 missile, which could only be fired from ships and planes, but it can now be fired from truck-mounted launchers at land and sea targets. It has a range of about 200 miles and is primarily intended for use against warships such as cruisers and destroyers.