The US Department of Defense has signed a major framework agreement with Anduril Industries to scale production of the Barracuda-500M low-cost surface-launched cruise missile as part of Washington’s broader push for affordable mass-produced strike weapons. Under the deal, Anduril will supply at least 3,000 Barracuda-500M systems over three years for the US Army’s Program Executive Office FIRES, with deliveries beginning in 2027 alongside more than 60 launchers. The missile is part of Anduril’s Barracuda-M family, which was specifically designed for rapid large-scale production using a simplified manufacturing process and commercial off-the-shelf components. Capable of carrying a 100-pound payload and striking targets beyond 500 nautical miles, the missile is launched from standard ISO containerized launch systems capable of carrying multiple rounds. The system also integrates with Anduril’s Lattice software to support autonomous targeting and collaborative strike operations. To support expected demand, the company has invested heavily in new production facilities in California and Ohio while also expanding solid rocket motor manufacturing capacity in partnership with the US government.
