Czech-based defense company LPP Holding, which already supplies its drones to Ukraine's Defense Forces, works on new versions of its Narwhal cruise missile, which will receive two new modifications with increased warhead mass — in development is medium variant with 100 kg warhead, and also largest with warhead already twice as large — 200 kg.
As Denik publication reports, both new variants will preserve analogous flight parameters compared to base variant — this involves range of 638 km and speed up to 750 km/h. Also noted is subsequent modifications of this cruise missile will use AI-based control system, as in base variant.
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Recall Narwhal cruise missile existence first became known late last year — it was then reported this missile is already undergoing testing, finale of which should become its testing in real combat conditions — meaning in Ukraine.
As of today it remains under question whether Narwhal was indeed already supplied to Ukraine and used for strikes on russia by our Defense Forces. On one hand, company emphasized decision on developing new increased-warhead versions was made based on successful testing results — while real weapons effectiveness can be verified only in combat conditions.
On other hand, so far no official reports about Narwhal cruise missile supplies were made. Also so far no photo or video confirmations of such missile use appeared online — for example, debris on russian territory, as was, for example, with American Rusty Dagger missile. If Narwhal was indeed already tested in Ukraine and showed good results, interesting is question of these missiles' production rates and further supply, as well as development timelines for increased-warhead variants.
By the way, worth noting such interesting nuance — when last year information first appeared about base variant of Narwhal cruise missile (which received Narwhal 140 designation), warhead mass up to 120 kg was reported.
Considering this is variant with smallest warhead, while intermediate modification received 100 kg warhead, one can assume base variant warhead weight should be significantly less than earlier announced indicator. Ultimately, on company official website for Narwhal cruise missile family, warhead is announced in range from 40 to 200 kg, so warhead mass in Narwhal 140 variant may comprise those same 40 kg.
Regarding largest Narwhal 540 variant with 200 kg, known is this cruise missile received extended fuselage. According to company website data, it has mass of 540 kg, length of 4.9 m and wingspan of 3.4 m.
Unknown whether other versions will have any differences in internals compared to base one considering unchanged range and speed indicators of cruise missile. Such approach may be unusual compared to trend where subsequent modification receives range of new updates compared to previous. As example one can mention Ruta product from Dutch Destinus, which transformed from jet drone in Block 1 version into full cruise missile in Block 3 modification. At the same time, both cruise missile family development variants have right to life.
Previously Defense Express reported how complex SCALP cruise missile is, license for which Ukraine should receive by end of 2026.
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