Ukraine’s Neptune Missiles Strike Russian Molniya Drone Factory Deep Inside Russia

Ukraine carried out a Neptune cruise missile strike on a drone production facility in the Russian city of Taganrog.

According to a statement from the Ukrainian Navy published on April 19, the target was a production site operated by “Atlant Aero,” a company described as part of Russia’s military-industrial complex involved in developing and manufacturing unmanned aerial systems.

The facility is reported to produce strike-reconnaissance drones, including the “Molniya” series, as well as components for the “Orion” UAV.

“Successful work by our military means reduced enemy production capacity—hundreds fewer drones that destroy our cities and villages, killing civilians,” the Ukrainian Navy said.

According to the Ukrainian Navy, the strike was carried out using Ukrainian coastal anti-ship cruise missile systems “Neptune.”

Taganrog, located approximately 40–50 kilometers from Ukraine’s border, has previously been targeted in similar operations. According to Astra, the same area was reportedly struck in January 2026 and again about a month prior, alongside the Beriev Aircraft Complex.

Developed by Ukraine’s Luch Design Bureau, the Neptune is a coastal anti-ship cruise missile system originally designed to target surface vessels at sea. Since 2022, the system has been adapted for broader strike roles, including land-attack missions.

Based on the Soviet Kh-35 design, Neptune incorporates extended range, improved guidance, and enhanced resistance to electronic warfare. Originally designed with a range of up to 280–300 kilometers, the system has since been upgraded, with Ukrainian officials stating that its extended “Long Neptune” variant can reach targets at distances of up to 1,000 kilometers.

Ukrainian officials have also indicated the existence of modified variants capable of striking ground-based targets with increased precision.

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Neptune has been used in several high-profile operations during Russia’s full-scale invasion. In April 2022, two Neptune missiles struck and sank the Russian Black Sea Fleet flagship Moskva, marking one of the most significant naval losses in modern warfare.

Earlier, Ukrainian Special Operations Forces struck a logistics base linked to Russia’s “Rubikon” drone technology center in the temporarily occupied Donetsk region.

According to the SSO, the facility supported the deployment of multiple Russian UAV types, including “Lancet,” “Molniya,” and reconnaissance drones such as “Orlan” and ZALA, with the strike causing explosions and large-scale fires at the site.

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