Poland’s Ministry of National Defence signed a cooperation agreement with U.S. firm Anduril Industries on Monday to develop a localized version of the Barracuda‑500M missile and related air systems, aiming for affordable mass production.
Agreement Scope and Intent
The pact covers joint development of a spooled‑up version of the Barracuda‑500M and similar weapon systems, offering them to the Polish army. It marks a shift from past standard collaborations with established suppliers. No formal purchase order from Polish forces was disclosed at signing.
Barracuda‑500M – Key Features
Designed as a 45‑kg loitering munition with a 1,000‑km range, the missile is presented by Anduril as easy to mass produce and low‑cost. It has a jet‑engine (800–900 km/h) versus the 180 km/h piston‑propelled Iranian‑Russian equivalents. Its payload is 10 % of the older JASSM‑ER version.
Production Claims and Price
Anduril claims production time is half that of comparable systems, requires 95 % fewer tools and 50 % fewer parts, and can be assembled in consumer‑electronics or automotive plants. It estimates a unit price under $200,000, though Taiwan data suggests about $215,000.
Current Procurement Status
Since the 2024 disclosure, the Barracuda has not yet been ordered or fielded by any army. The Pentagon has not shown interest in bulk purchases, despite plans for a family of affordable mass missiles to start 2026. Poland’s own schedule includes 800 JASSM‑ER missiles, delivered 2026, but no Barracuda orders exist yet.
Strategic Context
Anduril is a 2017 start‑up founded by former Oculus and defense‑tech execs, growing rapidly post‑Ukraine war but still lacking mass‑production contracts. The Polish deal is considered an industry curiosity rather than an imminent procurement move.
