Anduril Unveils Barracuda-M Family of Cruise Missiles

Anduril has launched the Barracuda, a new family of modular, low-cost autonomous air vehicles designed to disrupt the cruise missile market. The Barracuda series includes three models: Barracuda-100, Barracuda-250, and Barracuda-500, each with varying payload capacities and ranges. The Barracuda-100 is suited for helicopters and has a maximum range of 85 nautical miles, while the Barracuda-250 can be launched from tactical jets and has a range of up to 200 nautical miles. The Barracuda-500, designed for air-launch only, can carry a payload of 100 pounds and reach up to 500 miles. These vehicles are built with commercially available components to reduce costs and facilitate rapid production, aligning with the U.S. military's increasing demand for affordable stand-off munitions. The Pentagon's Defense Innovation Unit is evaluating Barracuda as part of its Enterprise Test Vehicle initiative, which aims to develop lower-cost cruise missiles. The Barracuda's design allows for reconfiguration and potential use in various roles, including as decoys or drones. Anduril emphasizes the capability of Barracuda vehicles to operate collaboratively using advanced autonomy software, enhancing their effectiveness in combat scenarios. The growing interest in such systems reflects lessons learned from recent conflicts, highlighting the need for affordable and quickly producible munitions in modern warfare.

- Anduril's Barracuda aims to provide low-cost, modular air vehicles for military applications.

- The series includes three models with varying payloads and ranges, suitable for different launch platforms.

- The Pentagon is evaluating Barracuda as part of its initiative for developing affordable cruise missiles.

- Barracuda vehicles can be reconfigured for multiple roles, including as decoys or drones.

- The system emphasizes collaborative operation using advanced autonomy software.