Narwhal: Czech cruise missile with a range of 680 km, delivered to Ukraine.
The LPP's Narwhal missile has a range of 680 km, a speed of 750 km/h, and carries a 120 kg warhead; it uses visual guidance to counter GPS jamming; evaluation is expected in Ukraine from January to February 2026.
The Czech company LPP is developing the Narwhal cruise missile, which is currently in the testing phase and is expected to be delivered to Ukraine for evaluation in real combat conditions. According to Aktualne, the first use is expected in January-February 2026, after which mass production could begin in the Czech Republic from March. Defense Express provides additional key technical specifications, including a maximum range of 680 km, a speed of up to 750 km/h, and a 120 kg warhead.
The published specifications
According to Defense Express, Narwhal is a long-range attack cruise missile with the following key specifications.
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Maximum range | up to 680 km |
| Maximum speed | up to 750 km/h |
| Warhead weight | 120 kg |
| Length | 4 m |
| Wingspan | 2.6 m |
| Total weight | 260 kg |
| Launch plan | launch vehicle; from a runway or road on a trolley; or using a solid-fuel rocket booster. |
Defense Express stated that this range is sufficient to reach Moscow and the Engels strategic bomber base.
Conduction system and interference resistance
The navigation system described includes standard GPS and possibly an inertial navigation system. Notably, the Narwhal also incorporates a visual navigation system developed by the manufacturer itself. According to the description, this mechanism allows for maintaining accuracy even when the GPS is heavily jammed by electronic warfare systems.
Technically, combining satellite positioning, inertial navigation (if available), and visual navigation aims to diversify navigation data sources, reducing reliance on a single channel. In an electronic warfare environment, especially when the enemy employs high-intensity GPS jamming, visual navigation can help missiles maintain their programmed attack trajectory without significantly compromising accuracy.
Launch and deployment plan
Narwhal offers multiple launch options: from catapults, from runways or roads via trolleys, and can utilize solid-fuel rocket boosters. This flexibility expands deployment scenarios, allowing use from field sites or simple infrastructure, reducing reliance on airfields or fixed launch pads.
With a total weight of 260 kg and dimensions (4 m long, 2.6 m wingspan), placement on a mobile launch platform and launch using a solid-fuel booster can shorten preparation time and support initial acceleration in challenging terrain conditions.
Operational implications
With a range of up to 680 km and carrying a 120 kg warhead, the Narwhal is designed to strike targets deep within the operational area. According to Defense Express, this range allows it to reach targets such as Moscow and Engels Air Base. Its maximum speed of 750 km/h is consistent with the flight path of a cruise missile, facilitating low-altitude flight tactics and a pre-programmed approach to the target.
The visual guidance system is a notable technological highlight, aimed at increasing the survivability of the projectile in jammed environments. With multiple launch options, Narwhal can be integrated into various combat configurations, increasing force dispersion and making it difficult for the enemy to predict the launch route.
Testing and production progress
According to Aktualne, Narwhal is currently undergoing testing. The final testing phase is expected to coincide with delivery to Ukraine for evaluation under real combat conditions, with first deployment anticipated in January-February 2026. Mass production is then expected to begin in the Czech Republic from March.
Note regarding the level of confirmation
The above specifications and features were compiled by Defense Express. Some details (e.g., the ability to integrate inertial systems) are described as "possible," so we need to wait for the results of field assessments in Ukraine and further publications to fully confirm them.