Defense Express reported the information.Czech defense company LPP has developed the Narwhal cruise missile, which is currently undergoing trials with plans to deliver initial units to Ukraine for combat testing against Russian forces in January or February 2026. If successful, serial production is scheduled to begin in March 2026 at facilities in the Czech Republic, according to Czech publication Aktualne.The Narwhal boasts a striking range of up to 680 kilometers—sufficient to reach Moscow and the Engels airbase, home to Russia's strategic bomber fleet. The missile cruises at speeds up to 750 km/h and carries a 120-kilogram warhead, significantly larger than the 50-90 kg payload of Iranian-designed Shahed drones currently used in the war.What sets the Narwhal apart is its advanced navigation system. Beyond standard GPS and inertial guidance, the missile features proprietary visual navigation technology developed by LPP, allowing it to operate effectively even when GPS signals are jammed by electronic warfare systems—a common challenge in modern combat.The 4-meter-long weapon, with a 2.6-meter wingspan and total weight of 260 kilograms, offers flexible launch options including catapult systems, runway or road-based wheeled launchers, and solid-fuel rocket boosters.When compared to similar systems like the Barracuda 500M—which recently received an anti-Russian upgrade with doubled warhead capacity—the Narwhal outperforms in most categories, including warhead weight and guidance capabilities. The Barracuda's main advantage remains its price tag of $216,500, while the Narwhal's cost has not been disclosed.LPP co-owner Radim Petraš revealed that the Narwhal is designed as part of an integrated drone ecosystem. A potential attack scenario would involve waves of smaller 40-kilogram MTS drones overwhelming enemy air defenses, followed by Narwhal missiles flying overhead, with stealthy Nightray drones providing top cover. The MTS can fly 650 kilometers carrying 12 kilograms of payload, while the Nightray Stealth drone reaches 400 kilometers at 500 km/h with a 30-kilogram capacity.This coordinated approach suggests Ukraine may receive not just the Narwhal, but the entire drone system for comprehensive battlefield evaluation of the Czech-developed concept.