The USPU-360MC is the self-propelled launcher in Ukraine's RK-360MC Neptune coastal missile complex. State Kyiv Design Bureau Luch describes the launcher as the vehicle that stores, transports, prepares, and launches four R-360 missiles; Ukrainian and specialist reporting place it inside a distributed battery with command, reload, transport, ground-support, and Mineral-U target-designation elements.
Ukrainian Neptune coastal missile systems, whose launcher element is the USPU-360MC, were documented in combat use from April 2022, and later wartime reporting described Ukrainian Neptune launchers and launch sites as operational targets in southern Ukraine.
Role detailsPublic Neptune launcher reporting separates early KrAZ-based test vehicles from the Tatra-based serial launcher configuration shown on 2021-2022 vehicles.
| Variant | Configuration | Designation notes |
|---|---|---|
| KrAZ-based USPU-360 test launcher | Prototype and state-test configuration | Defense Express described the Neptune vehicles used during state testing as KrAZ-based before the serial complex moved to the Czech Tatra platform. Sources: Neptune Launcher Serial Trials, Second Neptune Division Expected |
| Tatra T815 8x8 USPU-360 serial launcher | Serial launcher configuration | Defense Express identified the serial USPU-360 launcher on a Tatra T815 8x8 chassis during winter mobility, hydraulic, and outrigger testing in January 2022. Sources: Neptune Launcher Serial Trials |
The launcher is documented as the firing vehicle inside the 360MC Neptune coastal missile complex.
| Launched item | Item type | Launch evidence |
|---|---|---|
 | Anti-ship and land-attack cruise missile family | Luch identifies the USPU-360MC as the self-propelled launcher that stores, transports, prepares, and launches RK-360 / R-360 Neptune missiles. Sources: 360MC Neptune Missile System |
The USPU-360MC is one vehicle in a battery architecture, not a stand-alone missile round. Luch material separates the mobile command post, unified self-propelled launcher, R-360 missile container, transport-loading vehicle, transport vehicle, and ground-equipment set; Defense Express reporting also ties the Mineral-U radar to target designation for Neptune anti-ship missile batteries.
The launcher carries four RK-360 items and prepares R-360 missiles for launch.
Luch lists a three-person launcher crew and satellite, SW, and USW communications.
Transport-loading and transport vehicles each carry four RK-360 items in the Luch brochure.
Open reporting describes a full division with six launchers plus matching reload and transport vehicles.
Mineral-U is reported as a BLOS search-and-track radar intended to provide targeting data for Neptune ASCM batteries.
Defense Express reported passive search range claims up to 600 km during industry-trial coverage.
Public reporting distinguishes KrAZ-based test vehicles from serial USPU-360 vehicles on a Tatra T815 8x8 chassis.
The Long Neptune launcher later kept an 8x8 Tatra basis but changed the container layout for the larger R-360L missile.
Sources: 360ST Neptune Missile System English Brochure; First Production Neptune Vehicles; Mineral-U Support Radar Trials; Neptune Launcher Serial Trials; Long Neptune Launch Video Analysis.
Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council reported firing tests of the land-based Neptune cruise missile system at the Alibey range.
Sources: Successful Tests of the Neptune Cruise Missile System Were Held
Defense Express reported that final state tests of the coastal RK-360MC complex concluded with R-360 missiles hitting a surface target.
Sources: Final Neptune Coastal System Tests
Naval News reported that the Neptune missile system was formally adopted by the Ukrainian Armed Forces.
Sources: Ukraine Ordered a First Batch of Neptune Anti-Ship Missile Systems
Ukraine's Ministry of Defense and Luch signed a first-batch Neptune contract covering missiles plus command, launcher, reloader, and transport vehicles.
Sources: Ukraine Ordered a First Batch of Neptune Anti-Ship Missile Systems
Defense Express reported that the Mineral-U BLOS radar had completed industry trials as a target-designation radar intended to support Neptune anti-ship missile batteries.
Sources: Mineral-U Support Radar Trials
Defense Express reported winter mobility and emplacement testing of the first serial USPU-360 launcher mounted on a Tatra T815 8x8 chassis.
Sources: Neptune Launcher Serial Trials
Ukraine's Ministry of Defence later described Neptune coastal missile-system combat use in April 2022, and Mezha tied the Moskva strike to the R-360 missile and RK-360MC complex whose division includes USPU-360 launchers.
Sources: Ukrainian Cruise Missiles Combat Deployment, Second Neptune Division Expected
Defense Express assessed that the longer R-360L Long Neptune required a changed launcher layout, distinguishing it from the baseline four-container USPU-360MC configuration.
Sources: Long Neptune Launch Video Analysis
