Ukraine to Conduct First Combat Trials of Czech Missile Capable of Reaching Moscow
Ukraine is expected to become the first country to trial a new Czech-made long-range cruise missile capable of reaching deep into Russian territory, including Moscow.
The Gaze informs about it, referring to Czech media Aktualne.
The missile, named Narwhal and developed by the Czech defense company LPP, is currently undergoing advanced testing. Prague plans to transfer the system to Ukraine for evaluation in real combat conditions against Russian forces, the outlet Aktualne reported, as cited by RBC-Ukraine.
The final testing phase is scheduled to take place in Ukraine, with its first battlefield use tentatively planned for January–February 2026. If the trials prove successful, Czechia could begin serial production as early as March.
Military analysts at Defense Express estimate that the Narwhal can strike targets up to 680 kilometers away, placing sites such as Moscow and Russia’s Engels airbase, home to strategic bombers, within range.
The missile reportedly reaches speeds of up to 750 km/h and carries a 120-kilogram warhead, more than doubling the explosive payload of Iranian-made Shahed drones.
Beyond GPS and inertial guidance, Narwhal incorporates visual navigation, enabling it to maintain course even under intense Russian electronic warfare. The missile is approximately 4 meters long, has a 2.6-meter wingspan, weighs 260 kg, and can be launched from a catapult, airstrip, road, or with a solid-fuel booster.
Analysts note that Narwhal surpasses the U.S.-made Barracuda 500M in several key areas – including guidance, partial range, and warhead strength (45–85 kg for Barracuda). However, the American missile holds an advantage in cost, priced at roughly $216,500. The price of Narwhal has not yet been disclosed but is expected to be higher.
Since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion, Czechia has supplied Ukraine with a wide array of military equipment, including tanks, armored vehicles, artillery systems, and aviation components.
Grassroots initiatives have also surged. The activist group Skupina D recently launched a new fundraising drive to procure interceptor drones for Ukrainian forces. In October, Czech donors raised about $595,000 in just two days to purchase a Flamingo missile for the Ukrainian military.
As The Gaze reported earlier, a large-scale campaign called CHARLIE ONE has been launched in the Czech Republic to raise funds for the purchase of interceptor drones for Ukraine, led by the Chief of the General Staff of the Czech Army, General Karel Řehka.
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