Massive Missile Order: Anduril’s New Deal with the U.S. Army
Anduril Industries is set to embark on a significant contract with the U.S. Army, aiming to deliver a minimum of 3,000 surface-launched cruise missiles starting in 2027. This initiative is part of a strategic move to enhance the procurement of affordable munitions on a large scale.
As part of a three-year framework deal, Anduril will provide at least 1,000 Barracuda-500Ms annually to the Army. These missiles, designed for long-range strikes, can target both land and maritime objectives, boasting a range exceeding 500 nautical miles and carrying a 100-pound payload. The company’s statement highlighted the need for cost-effective and scalable solutions in the realm of precision fires and strike weapons.
Constructed to be easily transportable, these munitions are housed in standard 20-foot shipping containers, accommodating up to 16 rounds. Operators can deploy them using Anduril’s AI-enabled Lattice software or other fire control technologies to manage targeting and launches. The simplicity of the missile design allows for a 30-hour assembly with just 10 common hand tools, facilitating mass production.
During the recent 2026 Land Forces of the Pacific Symposium and Exposition in Hawaii, Lt. Gen. Matthew McFarlane emphasized the importance of developing low-cost munitions to adapt to modern warfare. He noted, “The massive drones we’re seeing be produced around the world — we need to drive down that cost curve so we can make sure we have the lethal means at a lower cost.”
McFarlane further discussed the necessity of balancing expensive Pentagon contracts with emerging, more affordable technologies. He stressed, “We got to get it lower if we’re going to prevail against the numbers of things that we think will be thrown our way.”
By late 2026, Anduril plans to ramp up production to “single-digit thousands” of Barracuda-500s at its new 5-million-square-foot facility in Columbus, Ohio. This production boost aligns with the Pentagon’s broader Low-Cost Containerized Missiles (LCCM) program.
Joining Anduril in this initiative are defense firms CoAspire, Leidos, and Zone 5. Together, they form the cornerstone of the Pentagon’s LCCM program, which is entering its assessment phase with test missile purchases slated for June. The Pentagon aims to secure over 10,000 low-cost cruise missiles from these companies, as outlined in a recent agreement and statement.
