The Czech company LPP has developed a new long-range cruise missile called Narwhal, which is currently undergoing testing. For the final stage of trials, the missiles are expected to be transferred to Ukraine for evaluation in combat conditions against Russian forces, Defense Express reports.
Analysts note that compared to the long-range Barracuda 500M missile, the Narwhal surpasses it in most characteristics, particularly warhead weight, guidance systems, and range. The production of such missiles will be established in Poland. Ukraine already expressed interest in the Barracuda-500, which is intended to replace Tomahawks.
The first combat use is planned for January and February 2026. Following this, serial production is expected to commence in the Czech Republic as early as March 2026.
The Czech missile can reach Moscow and the Engels strategic bomber bases
The Narwhal missile is capable of striking targets at ranges of up to 680 km, which is sufficient to reach Moscow and the Engels strategic bomber base.
The missile’s speed reaches up to 750 km/h, and its 120-kg warhead is sufficient to destroy a wide range of targets, analysts say. For comparison, the Shahed drone carries a 50–90 kg warhead.
In addition to standard GPS and likely an inertial navigation system, the missile also features visual navigation, allowing it to operate even in the absence of GPS due to active electronic warfare interference.
The Narwhal can be launched in several ways: from a catapult, from a runway or road using a wheeled trolley, or with the help of a solid-fuel rocket booster.
