Taiwan has presented a new land-mobile missile developed in partnership with US-based Anduril Industries, marking the first co-produced weapon system between the two nations. The missile, adapted from Anduril’s Barracuda-500 design, is engineered as a low-cost, precision strike option against targets on land and sea. According to Taiwan’s National Chung-Shan Institute of Science and Technology (NCSIST), which is leading the project locally, unit costs are projected at about $216,000, with mass production slated to begin within 18 months. The collaboration highlights a deepening defense industrial link between Taipei and Washington, amid escalating security challenges posed by Beijing. In addition to the missile, Taiwan also revealed Anduril-supported prototypes of an autonomous underwater drone and a smart naval mine, both designed to expand the island’s defensive layers. The Barracuda-based missile adds to Taiwan’s evolving asymmetric defense approach, emphasizing scalable, attritable systems that can be produced and deployed in large numbers. This complements ongoing programs such as the Kuai Chi uncrewed surface vessel fleet, of which 1,320 units are planned for service across multiple branches. Similarly, Taiwan has streamlined drone deployment by classifying small UAVs as consumables and embedding drone training into standard military education. Beyond kinetic systems, Anduril is providing AI-powered command-and-control solutions and unmanned platforms. Its earlier delivery of Altius loitering munitions under a US-approved deal expanded Taiwan’s options for long-range precision strike. The unveiling aligns with Taipei’s fourth planned special defense budget (2026), estimated between $20 billion and $30 billion. The funding will accelerate missile, drone, and digital warfare projects critical for maintaining deterrence. The joint missile development signals not only a technical milestone but also a political statement: Taiwan and the US are willing to openly collaborate on advanced weaponry despite Beijing’s objections.
